We propose for a total of 150 ks NuSTAR and 30 ks XMM-Newton observations tocharacterise the intrinsic power and obscuring properties of four of the nearestactive galactic nuclei (AGN) to us. We are carrying out the first complete anddirect measurement of the column density (N H) distribution of AGN in a localvolume-limited (D < 15 Mpc) AGN survey using primarily NuSTAR. Prior to ourprogram, only 50% of the AGN had reliable obscuration measurements. We haverecently improved this to 75%, and found a Compton-thick AGN fraction of atleast 30%. This is higher than that directly measured in flux-limited AGNsamples. NuSTAR observations of these four targets will be crucial in bringingthe local N H distribution of AGN to 100% completeness.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2017-12-16T02:17:25Z/2017-12-16T12:29:05Z
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, Mrs Ady Annuar, 2019, 'A COMPLETE CENSUS OF THE COMPTON-THICK AGN POPULATION IN OUR COSMIC BACKYARD', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-at1e04i
