Although still controversial, ultra-high velocity outflows (UHVOs definedloosely by velocities exceeding 10,000 km/s) in AGNs are potentially the mostexciting new discovery in AGN physics of the XMM-Newton and Chandra era. Theluminous quasar PDS 456 is the brightest X-ray source among the grating-detectedUHVOs. We propose to obtain the best yet high-resolution spectrum of a UHVOsource. Using RGS for the soft X-ray band and EPIC for the Fe-K spectral region,we aim at measuring the UHVO velocity, column density, and thus its mass outflowrate and kinetic luminosity. Presently, the XMM-Newton/RGS with its higheffective area is the only viable configuration that can guarantee the high S/Nspectrum required for this study.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2007-09-12T01:07:18Z/2007-09-15T02:41:18Z
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 Ehud Behar, 2008, 'A Promising Ultra-High Velocity Outflow in PDS 456', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-wmbrncp
