We propose an 855 ks (9x95 ks) large program on the well-known narrow lineSeyfert 1 galaxy, RE J1034+396, in order to study the X-ray quasi-periodicoscillation (QPO) in unprecedented detail. These signatures of strong gravityare common to high accretion-rate processes across the mass range. The QPO in REJ1034+396 is already confirmed in 6 XMM-Newton observations, though 4 of theseare too short to study the feature at high frequency resolution. We willconclusively measure the harmonic oscillation and use spectral- timing methodsto place important constraints on the underlying physical QPO mechanism. We willalso use the dynamics of this feature to provide insight into theaccretion/ejection processes associated with high- Eddington rates. This is an observation only XMM-Newton can make
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2020-11-20T07:11:04Z/2021-05-31T22:16:02Z
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 William Alston, 2022, 'An unprecedented view of high-frequency QPO phenomena in accreting black holes', 19.16_20210326_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-8nahomj
