We propose a 50 ks XMM-Newton observation of the Seyfert 2 galaxy, NGC 5643,with the aim of answering two questions left unanswered by the previous, muchshorter (less than 10 ks) XMM-Newton observation. In particular, we want to: a)Measure the O vii triplet with sufficient signal-to-noise to unambiguouslydistinguish between photoionized and collisionally ionized matter. Contrary tomost other Seyferts, in this source collisional plasma seems to dominate, butthe previous measures are inconclusive. b) Distinguish between the twoalternative models for the hard X-ray emission, i.e. nuclear emission plusscattering component or partially absorbed Compton reflect ion. This will helpus to better understand the nature and morphology of the obscuring matter.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-07-25T18:12:49Z/2009-07-26T09:21:29Z
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 Giorgio Matt, 2010, 'The nature of the nuclear and extended emission in NGC 5643', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-r2z0lnm
