We propose a snapshot (10ks) survey of the 15 northern Seyfert 2s from the 12micron galaxy sample which do not currently have high quality hard X-raycoverage. Mid-IR selection is relatively unbiased against obscured objects and,in particular, Compton thick sources. Our complete sample of 54 objects willtherefore provide a new estimate of the fraction of Compton thick AGN in thelocal universe, and hence the NH distribution for AGN. These are crucialingredients for AGN unification, population synthesis models of the X-raybackground, and the determination of the accretion history and total accretionbudget of the Universe.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2010-05-04T08:52:27Z/2011-02-05T02:52:09Z
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 Elise Laird, 2012, 'A Census of Compton Thick AGN in the Local Universe', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-8mh02do
