We propose to obtain high S/N XMM/EPIC spectra of 28 PG quasars in order tocomplete the coverage of the Bright Quasar Survey (PG) sample of 87 z<0.5quasars. This sample has been a cornerstone for studies of quasars in the past40 years. Some of the immediate questions we plan to address with the completesample are: What produces the soft X-ray excess, which occurs universally around0.5 keV? What controls the strength of the FeKa line? What is the relation of UVand X-ray absorbers? We also request 5 joint HST orbits to complete the UVcoverage of this sample. This XMM Legacy Program will establish the mostaccurate, complete, and high quality data set of the 0.3-10 keV emissionproperties of quasars and will provide the base for detailed studies of physical processes in type 1 AGN.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2016-11-16T14:17:33Z/2017-01-28T10:37:03Z
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 Shai Kaspi, 2018, 'The XMM-Newton PG-Bright Quasar Survey Legacy Program', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-0uig7t3
