We propose a Large Program (1350 ks) to perform simultaneous XMM-NuSTARobservations of five bright AGN. NuSTAR, to be launched on Spring 2012, willprovide an increase in sensitivity in hard X-rays of more than two orders ofmagnitude. XMM-NuSTAR simultaneous observations will provide the most accuratebroad-band X-ray spectra to date. The unprecedented control of the continuumwill allow us to measure the black hole spin in these AGN with increasedstatistical precision and, more importantly, to remove systematic uncertaintiesand model ambiguities. The observations will also achieve other important goalslike the accurate measurement of the hot corona.s parameters, the assessment ofthe relative importance of reflection vs complex absorption, the study of hard vs soft X-ray variability.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-11-04T17:33:38Z/2013-02-19T23:54:11Z
Version
PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE
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, 2014, 'Measurement of the BH spin in AGN with simultaneous XMM-NuSTAR observations', PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-k914m2c
