A population of intermediate black holes (IMBH) will allow us to solve one ofthe long-standing problems in modern astrophysics, the origin of supermassiveblack holes. Using dedicated analysis of 1 million optical spectra, weidentified a sample of 305 IMBH candidates (3e4<M<2e5 M_Sun), which reside ingalaxy centers and pose as AGN. With XMM-Newton and Chandra DDT observations in2017 and mining X-ray data archives, we confirmed the AGN nature of 10candidates, thus validating our IMBH search approach. Here we propose to observe13 additional optically selected IMBH candidates in order to double the numberof X-ray confirmed accreting IMBHs. This will enable detailed studies of theIMBH population and help to constrain the masses of seed black holes in the early Universe.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2019-09-17T18:15:38Z/2020-04-19T21:17:40Z
Version
18.02_20200221_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 Igor Chilingarian, 2021, 'Extending a bona fide IMBH sample\: X-ray confirmation of optical AGN candidates', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-c89qibq
