The Two Micron All-Sky Survey(2MASS) is compiling a sample of new, red, activegalaxies (AGN) whose number density rivals that of optically selected AGN. Theirtypically high optical polarization suggests substantial obscuration toward thenuclear energy source. Chandra observations show weak, hard X-ray emissioncompared with normal, low-redshift AGN suggesting that these, mostlybroad-lined, AGN represent the X-ray absorbed population predicted by modellingof the Cosmic X-ray Background (CXRB). We request XMM time for a subset of thesesources to obtain higher signal-to-noise spectra to: 1: determine the spectralindex and absorbing column density, 2. determine their contribution to the CXRB,3. look for reflected/scattered light expected from their high polarisation.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-04-24T22:38:01Z/2003-08-01T14:35:14Z
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 Belinda Wilkes, 2004, 'X-ray absorbed comma broad-lined comma red AGN and the Cosmic X-ray Background openParCXRBclosePar', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-57wl3e0
