We have identified a relativistic FevirgulK emission line in a Chandra spectrum ofthe z=1.055 quasar 3C 287. We request a 56 ksec XMM-Newton observation of 3C 287to obtain a robust detection of the line at the 5-7 sigma level of confidence.Red-shifts of z=1 reach back to an epoch of rapid accretion (and, perhapsspin-up) for black holes. Presently a science driver for XEUS and Con-X, in afew special cases like 3C 287 it is possible to probe the inner accretion flowand black hole spin in distant AGN with XMM-Newton. Our proposed observationwill provide the clearest evidence yet for broad iron lines in this importantevolutionary epoch, facilitating comparisons between present and past black holeaccretion, and will test the X-ray Baldwin Effect.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-07-19T01:34:08Z/2006-07-19T19:59:32Z
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 Jon Miller, 2007, 'Revealing a Relativistic Fe K Emission Line in the z=1 Quasar 3C 287', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-p1otx0m
