Combining the exquisite angular resolution of Gaia (< 0.2 arcsec) with opticallight curves and WISE photometry, the Gaia Gravitational Lenses working group(GraL) have confirmed 22 new strongly lensed quasars in the past two years,including 9 new quadruply lensed quasars. X-ray observations of these raresystems provide a powerful tool for a range of studies, from inferring thestructure near the event horizons of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) tomeasuring black hole spins at cosmological distances. We propose a snapshotsurvey of these newly identified systems to determine which are the most X-raybright and therefore amenable to future deeper observations and monitoringprograms.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2020-07-09T03:00:36Z/2021-04-08T00:06:21Z
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, Dr Daniel Stern, 2022, 'XMM-Newton Survey of Gaia-Selected Strongly Lensed Quasars', 19.16_20210326_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-k3rjhlf
