We propose to observe four radio quasars with unusually high X-ray/radio coreflux ratios. Such high values point to a synchrotron origin of their X-rays andthis we wish to confirm. So far only low-power blazars, the BL Lacs, were knownto have jets with synchrotron emission reaching energies as high as X-rays.Recently, synchrotron X-rays have been convincingly detected in one radioquasar, with suggestive evidence in four more. Establishing the existence of alarge population of such sources is vital for our understanding of jet physics.In particular it will challenge the ..blazar sequence., a scenario whichadvocates that the frequency of the synchrotron emission peak in radio quasarsis lower than that in BL Lacs since the particles in their jets suffer more severe Compton cooling.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2007-06-05T17:34:46Z/2008-03-05T03:52:14Z
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 Hermine Landt, 2009, 'A Search for Synchrotron X-ray Emission From Radio Quasars', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rszcus8
