We propose to perform with XMM-Newton a hard X-ray follow-up of the largestsample of optically selected Extremely Red Objects (EROs, R-K > 5) availableto date. This study is aimed at understanding the nature of the EROS populationand to better assess the relative fraction of heavily obscured AGN, dustystarforming galaxies and old passively evolving ellipticals at high redshift.This is possible only with XMM since it couples good angular resolutionand excellent sensitivity at high energies thus allowing for accurate spectralanalysis. The proposed observations will allow us to push to fainter X-rayfluxes the detection of EROs and to constrain their spectral properties thus providing a unique tool to understand their nature.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-07-22T05:54:53Z/2003-08-17T10:48:05Z
Version
17.56_20190403_1200
Mission Description
The European Space Agencys (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESAs second cornerstone of the Horizon 2000 Science Programme. It carries 3 high throughput X-ray telescopes with an unprecedented effective area, and an optical monitor, the first flown on a X-ray observatory. The large collecting area and ability to make long uninterrupted exposures provide highly sensitive observations. Since Earths atmosphere blocks out all X-rays, only a telescope in space can detect and study celestial X-ray sources. The XMM-Newton mission is helping scientists to solve a number of cosmic mysteries, ranging from the enigmatic black holes to the origins of the Universe itself. Observing time on XMM-Newton is being made available to the scientific community, applying for observational periods on a competitive basis.
European Space Agency, Dr Comastri Andrea, 2004, 'Tracing the hidden AGN activity in the EROs population', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-cvqcogv
