We propose a test of obscuration bias r^ant for hard X-ray surveys of activegalactic nuclei (AGN). From a representative sample of 75 local AGN selected inthe far-infrared to be observed in NuSTAR legacy surveys, we have compiled asubset of objects with predicted hard X- ray fluxes placing them above theSwift/BAT 70-month catalogue detection sensitivity, but which are not detectedeven in deeper BAT maps. Extreme obscuration is the likely primary cause of hardX-ray deficit in all. We propose XMM-Newton observations of 8 of these that lacksensitive soft X-ray constraints. Our aim is to quantify the obscuration (i.e.orientation) bias in hard X-rays from accurate broadband X-ray fits, andultimately, to construct an N_H distribution requiring minimal bias corrections.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2017-05-09T06:45:59Z/2017-10-30T00:54:26Z
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, Mr Peter Boorman, 2018, 'Quantifying obscuration bias in hard X-ray AGN selection', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-dwsjl9c
