We propose a 40 ks EPIC observation of the low-ionization broad absorption line(LoBAL) quasar FIRST 1556+3517. BAL quasars are X-ray faint and only since theadvent of XMM and Chandra have they been routinely detected. Initial surveysreveal that the high-ionzation BAL (HiBAL) quasars are the X-ray brightest ofthe class and are apparently normal quasars with moderate to high line-of-sightabsorbing column densities. LoBAL quasars are significantly fainter in theX-rays. The red, radio-loud BALQSO FIRST 1556+3517, a short-exposure target ofboth Chandra and XMM, is the X-ray brightest LoBAL quasar known at highredshifts and luminosities. The spectrum is too soft and faint to result fromsimple absorption, and is probably relfected as in Seyfert 2 galaxies.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-02-17T21:42:10Z/2005-07-15T19:43:10Z
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, Prof MICHAEL BROTHERTON, 2006, 'A DEEP LOOK AT THE openParRELATIVELYclosePar X-RAY BRIGHT BALQSO FIRST 1556+3517', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-wytbpei
