Recent investigations of weak-line quasars (WLQs) have led us to propose asimple model where a thick inner accretion disk, associated with an extremelyhigh Eddington ratio, is responsible for both their weak lines and remarkableX-ray properties. We propose to test this model with a long observation of theoptically ultraluminous WLQ SDSS J1521+5202. Our Chandra data show this sourcehas a strikingly hard X-ray spectrum suggesting heavy absorption. The proposedhigh-quality XMM-Newton spectrum will determine if we are seeing the model.spredicted Compton-reflection dominated continuum due to Compton-thick absorptionby the inner disk. If confirmed, our model will help establish relationshipsbetween inner accretion-disk properties and the accretion rate in all quasars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2019-07-26T16:26:45Z/2019-12-16T04:45:41Z
Version
18.00_20191217_1110
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, Prof William Brandt, 2021, 'Deciphering the Remarkable X-ray Spectrum of the Weak-Line Quasar SDSSJ1521+5202', 18.00_20191217_1110, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-z67h4zr
