A dataset provided by the European Space Agency

Proposal ID 040534
Title 3C 234: a Compton-thick radio-loud Type 2 quasar in the backyard?
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https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0405340101

DOI https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-dxipftw
Principal Investigator, PI Dr Enrico Piconcelli
Abstract We propose a 30 ks XMM-Newton observation of the hidden radio-loud quasar 3C 234(z = 0.1848). The F(2-10)/F(OIII) ratio and a low signal-to-noise ASCAspectrum strongly suggest the possibility that the nuclear absorber isCompton-thick. The detection of a Fe Kalpha line with EW larger than 1 keV inthe XMM-Newton spectrum would definitely confirm this suggestions. If so, 3C 234would turn out to be the first Compton-thick radio-loud Type 2 QSO observed and,with an intrinsic 2-10 keV luminosity of 3 x 10e46 erg/s, one of the very mostpowerful object ever detected at z less than 0.2. The discovery of an AGN withsuch peculiar properties is strongly needed in the framework of Unified Modelsand, thereby, in the synthesis models of the X-ray cosmic background.
Publications
Instrument EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage 2006-04-24T05:58:49Z/2006-04-24T17:04:10Z
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.
Creator Contact https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk
Date Published 2008-08-29T00:00:00Z
Keywords "3c 234", "noise asca spectrum", "unified models", "kev luminosity", "XMM", "synthesis models", "fe kalpha line", "low signal", "nuclear absorber", "powerful object", "xray cosmic background", "compton thick", "xmm newton spectrum", "XMM-Newton", "x 10e46 erg", "backyard ?.", "ew larger", "xmm newton"
Publisher And Registrant European Space Agency
Credit Guidelines European Space Agency, Dr Enrico Piconcelli, 2008, '3C 234: a Compton-thick radio-loud Type 2 quasar in the backyardquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-dxipftw