The most luminous absorbed AGN (QSO2) have been predicted in considerable numbers by cosmic X-ray background models. However, their space density and contribution to the AGN luminosity output remain uncertain. Taking advantage of the high throughput and good spectral resolution of the EPIC cameras, we propose XMM-Newton observations of 16 QSO2 at z=0.1-0.17 drawn from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. The sample, solely based on the high luminosity of the OIII 5007A line, is unbiased against heavily absorbed AGN. We will constrain the properties of QSO2 and investigate the effect of luminosity on the AGN obscuration.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2010-05-28T07:08:47Z/2011-04-27T21:12:14Z
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 Silvia Mateos, 2012, 'Exploring obscuration in luminous type-2 quasars', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-uu809di
