This proposal aims at observing a sizable sample of Seyfert 2 galaxies, selectedaccording to the HST-imaged morphology of their nuclear dust. We request tocomplete the original sample with 10 objects, which were approved as priorityC targets for the AO2. The main goal of the proposal is to verify whether theX-ray absorption in Compton-thin and -thick Seyfert 2 galaxies is associatedwith different physical media. First results support the idea that the compacttorus may be responsible for the absorption in Compton-thick objects only,whereas Compton-thin absorbing media could be located at much larger scales,maybe related to the host galaxy rather than to the nuclear environment. Wepropose to establish the above hypothesis on a firm statistical ground.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-01-09T01:13:54Z/2004-11-04T04:52:47Z
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 MATTEO GUAINAZZI, 2005, 'XMM-NEWTON STUDY OF A NUCLEAR DUST MORPHOLOGY-SELECTED SAMPLE', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-kudbdce
