We propose to observe the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151 with XMM-Newton (50 ks) andNuSTAR (100 ks) simultaneously to the scheduled IXPE (Imaging X-ray PolarimeterExplorer) pointing. Accurate measurements of the hot corona parameters have beenreported, but no significant constraints on the coronal geometry (slab, sphere,semi-sphere) have been possible so far. X-ray polarimetry has the potentialityto provide such constraints, but the signal is partly degenerate with respect tothe geometrical and physical parameters of the accretion disk-corona system. Toreduce them and constrain the geometrical shape of the corona, simultaneous andindependent constraints on coronal temperature and optical depth, strength ofthe reflection components provided by a joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observation, are vital.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2022-12-17T02:21:27Z/2022-12-17T18:33:07Z
Version
20.09_20221024_1724
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, Ms Vittoria Elvezia Gianolli, 2024, 'Revealing the geometry of the hot corona in NGC 4151', 20.09_20221024_1724, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-x5iaahq
