Chandra observations of red 2MASS AGN show they are X-ray weak and hard. This,combined with high optical polarisation, suggests a view through obscuringmaterial with column density logNHvirgul22, close-to edge-on. This unique view wouldprovide constraints on AGN nuclear models which generally include a torus/diskwith a wind. But XMM observations of 5 red AGN to check this scenario findabsorption in only 3 while 2 more show complex X-ray spectra: a soft excess plushard power law. To better understand their X-ray properties, we propose XMMobservations of 4 more red AGN with optical type 1-1.5, a hard X-ray power lawand/or high optical polarisation and to re-observe 2M0918, a high polarisation,type 1.5 with no evidence for X-ray absorption but only 280 XMM counts.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-05-22T17:10:31Z/2005-11-15T10:59:26Z
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, 2006, 'The Role of Absorption in 2MASS Red AGN.', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-c80u293
