A short XMM-Newton observation of the luminous narrow line QSO PG1211+143 hasprovided perhaps the best evidence yet for a massive and energetic outflow in anAGN, a property that may be characteristic of Eddington-limited accretion. Inaddition, the unusually strong soft X-ray spectrum of PG1211+143 has been afocus of recent attempts to understand the origin of the soft excess in AGN. Werequest an extended study of PG1211+143 in AO6, to obtain improved quality EPICand RGS spectra, with better coverage of the anticipated spectral variabilitytimescales, to allow the X-ray spectrum to be de-convolved and the ionisationstructure and dynamics of the outflow better understood.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2007-12-21T13:41:32Z/2007-12-24T08:48:15Z
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 Ken Pounds, 2009, 'Exploring the energetic outflow and strong soft excess in the QSO PG1211+143', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-a4lfrst
