We propose a 480 ks observation of NGC 4051 to definitively test forquasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) analogous to those seen in Galactic BlackHoles (GBHs). These would confirm the unifying link between accreting blackholes of all masses and provide a powerful new diagnostic of the strong-gravityregion, giving the most model-independent constraints on black hole spin. Wewill reveal for the first time the X-ray variability of a black hole atfrequencies far above the Keplerian frequency of the innermost stable circularorbit, beyond what is possible for GBHs, and use this to probe the dynamics andgeometry of the X-ray emission region.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-05-03T10:22:29Z/2009-06-16T20:15:00Z
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 Simon Vaughan, 2010, 'Testing Black Hole Unification', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-2tqe4bd
