Luminous X-ray emission is an ubiquitous property of quasars. Small populationsof type 1 quasars have displayed weak X-ray emission, generally due toabsorption or variability effects. We have discovered several X-ray weak SDSSquasars that do not fit easily into any of the known categories. We propose toobtain 30-50 ks XMM-Newton observations for three of these exceptional X-rayweak quasars. We will determine reliably whether there is X-ray variability orX-ray absorption, and then classify the possible causes for their observed X-rayweakness. Understanding this new type of X-ray weak quasar might provide newinsights into the X-ray corona and its environment. It will also allow us toconstrain the missed fraction of SMBH growth in extragalactic X-ray surveys.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2021-01-25T04:39:38Z/2021-04-07T18:45:32Z
Version
19.16_20210326_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, Prof Bin Luo, 2022, 'Classification of a New Type of X-ray Weak Quasar', 19.16_20210326_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-c6f071f
