We propose the observation of two narrow-line, O III luminous AGNs (z<virgul0.05)aimed at discovering clearcut examples of local Compton-thick (CT) quasars, thatare still lacking so far. Previous low-quality observations provided strong, butnot definitive, indications of a reflection-dominated X-ray spectrum in bothsources. The large OIII luminosities should ensure an intrinsic X-rayluminosity typical of quasars. Thanks to the expected photon statistics theproposed observations will shed definitive light on the CT nature of theabsorber in these sources. Our program is designed to miminize the risks ofnon-detection of the target and/or ambiguous results that have affected severalblind searches for CT luminous AGNs performed to date.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-05-22T17:09:34Z/2010-01-31T14:00:09Z
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 Enrico Piconcelli, 2011, 'Compton-thick luminous AGNs at the heart of bright SQUARE_BRACKET_OPENOIIISQUARE_BRACKET_CLOSE emitters', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-2i78soy
