We propose to observe 7 far-IR-selected Compton-thick (CT) AGN candidatessimultaneously with accepted NuSTAR Legacy Survey observations in the NuSTARLocal AGN NH Distribution Survey (NuLANDS). All sources lack sufficient plannedsoft X-ray coverage critical to constrain obscuring NH to > 90% confidence. Thetargets were selected via a novel CT AGN selection strategy that utilises theobscuration bias om- nipresent in hard X-ray selection, and has proven highlyefficient in identifying luminous CT AGN. We show that XMM-Newton observationsof these 7 sources in conjunction with NuSTAR is the only way to complete theprimary science goal of NuLANDS- to directly establish the true NH distributionin the local Universe without bias corrections.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2019-09-05T17:18:29Z/2019-09-05T22:47:59Z
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, 2020, 'Completing an Unbiased Census of AGN Obsuration', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-b1sqsau
