We propose a 120 ks observation of ESO138-G1 to exploit the full range ofXMM-Newton capabilities by studying the properties of the different materialsfound in the nucleus of this object. It is one of the brightest Compton thickAGN, thus being one of the few sources which presently permit this kind ofanalysis. The proposed 120 ks EPIC spectrum will allow us to analyse in detailthe properties of the obscuring torus. On the other hand, the RGS highresolution spectrum will allow us to take advantage of several diagnostic toolsto understand the nature of the soft X-ray spectrum. The comparison with theother few bright Compton-thick Seyfert 2s will permit to search for differenciesand commonalities in the physical properties of their circumnuclear environments.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-02-24T08:51:18Z/2013-02-25T23:32:31Z
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, Mr Andrea Marinucci, 2014, 'A close-look to the photoionisation mechanisms in ESO138-G1', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-f34mo8e
