The deep minimum state of AGNs is characterized by a strongly suppressed or eventotal absence of the primary continuum. As the continuum disappears weakspectral features like relativistic- ally broad iron lines or narrow softX-ray emission lines become highly significant and their parameters can bedetermined with high accuracy. Therefore deep minimum states offer uniquepossibilities to constrain the physics of the different X-ray emissionmechanisms in the very cores of AGN, including the immediate vicinity of thesupermassive black holes. Applying our experience gained in spring 2007 with asuccessful trigger of a 200ks-observation, we propose long observations of AGNsin deep minimum state triggered based on Swift and XMM-Newton slews observations.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-05-03T05:04:05Z/2011-01-13T21:22:08Z
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 Norbert Schartel, 2012, 'Deep Minimum States of AGNs', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-hxw3qcc
