The X-ray spectral analysis of Compton thick (CT-) active galactic nuclei (AGN)represents a fundamental step to understand the physics of the obscuringmaterial surrounding accreting supermassive black holes. We propose to targetwith a combined NuSTAR/XMM-Newton observation two candidate CT-AGN selected fromthe BAT 100-month volume-limited (z<0.03) sample. Thanks to the excellent countstatistics, we will be able to constrain several spectral parameters (e.g.,relative importance of the scattered component versus the direct one, geometryof the obscuring torus, equivalent width of the Iron emission line). Thisanalysis will refine our knowledge of the selection function of CT-AGN,therefore helping us in determine the true intrinsic fraction of CT-AGN and their contribution to the CXB.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2018-05-23T02:54:41Z/2018-06-03T04:29:58Z
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 Marchesi, 2019, 'COMPTON THICK AGN: THE PHYSICS BEHIND THE OBSCURATION', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-4ctz8p8
