Dust chemistry is a key tracer of structure formation and evolution. In AGN theorigin and properties of dust are uncertain. Dust could be associated to AGNwinds, which would have important implications on the driving and impact of thewinds on their host galaxies. High-resolution X-ray spectroscopy is a novel andpowerful method for probing chemistry of dust. We find NGC 6860, an X-ray brightAGN, is an ideal target for investigating the link between dust and winds. Itshows significant reddening and absorption by dust, while being sufficientlybright for X-ray spectroscopy. We propose a 120 ks XMM-Newton observation tocarry out high-resolution X-ray spectroscopic study of dust and ionised winds inthis AGN.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2023-03-17T23:15:25Z/2023-03-19T12:13:45Z
Version
20.10_20230417_1156
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 Missagh Mehdipour, 2024, 'Origin and role of dust in AGN: Revealing the dusty wind in NGC 6860', 20.10_20230417_1156, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-[xxxxxxx]
