We propose to observe four hyper-luminous (>10e13 Lsun), dust-obscured galaxiesat z > 2 recently discovered in the WISE all-sky mid-IR survey. Given theirluminosities and redshifts they may represent a rapid evolutionary phase ofmerging galaxies leading to the formation of massive elliptical galaxies. We aimat providing the first constraints on the X-ray spectral properties of theseextreme sources. The proposed observations are designed to get insight into theproperties of the nuclear region and the X-ray emitting source, that is expectedto be the likely driver of the huge luminosity. Thanks to the large collectingarea, XMM-Newton is the most appropriate X-ray mission for performing theproposed study.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-08-19T16:02:54Z/2013-08-20T03:59:34Z
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 Enrico Piconcelli, 2014, 'X-raying the most luminous galaxies of the Universe', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-s7lxp64
