We propose four, logarithmically spaced, 50 ks XMM-Newton observations of theSeyfert galaxy NGC1068, the archetypal and one of the brightest Compton-thickSeyfert 2. This source is likely accreting at a high rate, so it is expected tobe intrinsically highly variable. Previous works have indeed claimed bothspectral and continuum variability, although between observations performed withdifferent spectrometers and satellites. The four proposed observations willpermit to search for variations of the reflected components on time scalesspanning from a week to half a year and, when compared with previous XMM-Newtonobservations, up to several years. This program will allow us to bothunambiguously confirm previous claims of such variations and tightly constrain
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-07-10T20:05:50Z/2015-02-03T18:05:19Z
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 Stefano Bianchi, 2016, 'Locating the reflecting regions in the archetypal Compton-thick Sy2 NGC1068', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-zudckdv
