With this proposal we will construct a comprehensive library of X-ray to mid-IR QSO spectral energy distributions for a single epoch (z=1), covering two orders of magnitude in luminosity. In doing so, we will decouple luminosity effects from evolutionary effects and so determine the amount of radiation that is absorbed and reprocessed by the torus, and how this depends on luminosity. The SED library will represent a fundamental resource to reconcile the conflicting results on AGN obscuration at different wavelengths, and for future investigations of the accretion history of massive black holes. Our SDSS sample has already been observed in the near and mid-IR with Spitzer; here we request XMM-Newton observations to provide the UV and X-ray parts of the SED library.
Publication
No observations found associated with the current proposal
Instrument
EPN, RGS1, OM, RGS2, EMOS1, EMOS2
Temporal Coverage
2008-05-03T07:20:34Z/2009-04-17T09:33:27Z
Version
PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE
Mission Description
The European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's 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 Earth's 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.