Accepted NuSTAR Programs through XMM-Newton Cycle 13

Proposal Number: 074006
PI Last Name: Bianchi
Title: Locating the reflecting regions in the archetypal Compton-thick Sy2 NGC1068
Abstract: We propose four, logarithmically spaced, 50 ks XMM-Newton observations of the Seyfert galaxy NGC1068, the archetypal and one of the brightest Compton-thick Seyfert 2. This source is likely accreting at a high rate, so it is expected to be intrinsically highly variable. Previous works have indeed claimed both spectral and continuum variability, although between observations performed with different spectrometers and satellites. The four proposed observations will permit to search for variations of the reflected components on time scales spanning from a week to half a year and, when compared with previous XMM-Newton observations, up to several years. This program will allow us to both unambiguously confirm previous claims of such variations and tightly constrain

Proposal Number: 074082
PI Last Name: Ajello
Title: BL Lac Objects at the highest redshifts
Abstract: For a long time high-redshift BL Lac objects were deemed not to exist. Fermi showed us that there is relevant population of BL Lacs with redshift beyond 1.0. Some of them belong to the high-synchrotron peaked (HSP) class and are among the hardest gamma-ray sources detected by Fermi showing emission up and beyond 100 GeV. This makes them the most luminous BL Lacs ever detected and rates them among the most powerful accelerators in the Universe. We plan to observe 3 extreme BL Lacs simultaneously with XMM-Newton, GROND and Swift. This will provide unprecedented coverage of the synchrotron peak from IR to hard X-ray allowing us: to understand the nature and the energetic of these objects, to answer long-standing questions on the blazar sequence and to use them as probes of the EBL.

Proposal Number: 074092
PI Last Name: Petrucci
Title: The UV to hard X-ray continuum of a Seyfert galaxy scrutinized by XMM and NuSTAR
Abstract: We propose to perform a unique XMM-NuSTAR monitoring with 5 repeated observations of 20 ks spaced by a few days of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4593. This is the best Seyfert candidate to obtain high sensitivity measurements on a day time scale over the entire high energy spectrum. This is an absolute prerequisite 1) to correctly disentangle the different spectral components present in this energy band, and 2) to reveal their complex interdependences and variability behavior. This study will allow us i) to constrain the physical parameters of the Comptonizing corona; ii) to investigate the nature of the soft X-ray excess; iii) to put firm conclusions on the distance, nature and geometry of the reflecting material(s).

Proposal Number: 074105
PI Last Name: Guainazzi
Title: Measuring the torus spatial scale(s) in Seyfert galaxies: a cheap XMM-Newton monitoring campaign
Abstract: We propose an intense monitoring campaign of the heavily obscured Seyfert Galaxy Markarian 3 during the XMM-Newton AO-13. We aim at: a) constraining the size of the gas clouds responsible for optically-thick reprocessing of the nuclear continuum; b) probing a hitherto poorly unexplored parameter space on the distance between the X-ray corona and the surrounding optically-thick gas. We request 10 observations of 17 ks each. Thanks to the unique combination of hard X-ray spectral shape and visibility, the proposed observations represent an extremely efficient way of using XMM-Newton during high-radiation intervals close to the perigee passages, when the feasibility of most astrophysical X-ray experiments is severely hampered.

Proposal Number: 074126
PI Last Name: Schartel
Title: Outbursts of radio-quiet AGN
Abstract: Recent X-ray observations of the two Seyfert galaxies, GSN 069 and NGC 2617, establish outbursts of radio-quiet AGNs as an unexplored discovery space for AGN physics with an enormous potential to learn. We propose three joint XMM-Newton / NuSTAR observations (start, maximum and 1/e) of the next suited AGN outburst whereas an X-ray/optical/UV light curve will be established with short Swift observations. True AGN outbursts will allow us to trace accretion physics, X-ray spectral complexity connected with dramatic emission-line changes and possibly elusive stellar tidal disruption events probing an even more extreme accretion regime. We will identify outbursts mainly based on Swift, XMM-Newton slew and Gaia observations.

Proposal Number: 074133
PI Last Name: Lohfink
Title: The Broad-Band Spectral Shape of Fairall 9
Abstract: We propose to observe the bare Seyfert 1 galaxy Fairall 9 for a net exposure time of 175 ks with both XMM and NuSTAR to study its broad-band spectral shape from the UV to the hard X-ray bands. This precise broad-band spectrum, will allow us to determine the continuum with high accuracy, enabling the removal of model degeneracies. In particular, we hope to identify the nature of the soft excess in the source and search for a high energy cut-off. Fairall 9 has been selected as a Priority A Target by the NuSTAR team, pre-approving the proposed NuSTAR observation.

Proposal Number: 074147
PI Last Name: Tomsick
Title: Is there a Black Hole in any of the INTEGRAL HMXBs?
Abstract: Through its hard X-ray survey of the Galactic Plane, INTEGRAL has uncovered large numbers of HMXBs, and many of them have not been well-studied to date. We propose to observe two INTEGRAL HMXBs that have not previously shown signatures of having a neutron star: IGR J18214-1318 and IGR J08262-3736. With XMM-Newton and NuSTAR, we will search for such signatures (pulsations, cyclotron lines, exponential cutoffs with e-folding energies below ~20 keV). If these features are lacking and if the source instead has a power-law that extends to the top of the NuSTAR bandpass, this would be an excellent black hole candidate and motivation would be very strong for follow-up optical or IR spectroscopy to determine the mass of the compact object.

Proposal Number: 074162
PI Last Name: Miller
Title: Spectroscopy of a Neutron Star Transient in Outburst
Abstract: A recent observation of Serpens X-1 with NuSTAR has clearly revealed a relativistic Fe K line (confirming prior XMM-Newton results), as well as the Compton reflection hump. We propose to build on this by making two 40 ks XMM-Newton + NuSTAR observations of a transient neutron star LMXB in outburst. Leveraging their complementary strengths, this program will aim to constrain the stellar radius, search for disk winds like those seen in black holes (and a small but growing number of neutron stars), and to understand the evolution of neutron star accretion flows over a broader range of accretion rates than can be observed in persistent "Z'' and "atoll'' sources.

Proposal Number: 074193
PI Last Name: Sarazin
Title: PKS B1400-33 and Abell S753: A Very Bright Radio Relic in a Poor Cluster
Abstract: The cluster radio relic PKS B1400-33 in the poor cluster Abell S753 will be observed with XMM/Newton and NuSTAR to detect and image the nonthermal Inverse Compton emission. This is the second brightest cluster radio relic known. Remarkably, it is associated with a relatively poor, cool cluster. Although it has many properties similar to other cluster radio relics, it is possible that it is an old radio lobe, displaced by motions or buoyancy. These observations will be a strong test of merger shock acceleration processes, and will give the magnetic field, nonthermal energy, and shock acceleration efficiency. The observations will allow the dynamical state of the cluster to be determined, and will detect the merger shock which is expected to be associated with the relic.

Proposal Number: 074227
PI Last Name: Wilms
Title: Simultaneous XMM-Newton and NuSTAR Observations of IGR J16318-4848
Abstract: We propose to observe the Compton-thick source IGR J16318-4848 with XMM-Newton simultaneously to our already approved NuSTAR science team observation. Our aim is to measure the first high signal to noise, high resolution broad band spectrum of this type of source. Our goal is to constrain the geometry of the absorber in the system further through broad-band spectroscopy, analysis of the Iron line, including the search for a Compton shoulder, and a measurement of the response of the iron line flux to continuum variations.

Proposal Number: 074259
PI Last Name: Bachetti
Title: Sampling ULX spectral states with XMM Newton and NuSTAR
Abstract: Recently our understanding of Ultraluminous X-ray Sources (ULX) has advanced significantly due to broad band spectro-temporal studies with XMM Newton, Suzaku and NuSTAR. Evidence now suggests that many ULXs with LX 1040ergs 1 are powered by super-Eddington accretion onto black holes with masses up to 100 Mo. This extreme accretion regime remains poorly understood. Observations show that ULXs are variable on timescales of weeks and exhibit distinct spectral states characterized by multiple components in the 0.3 - 30 keV band. To understand these components we propose to trigger a NuSTAR and XMM Newton observation of one of the bright ULXs in our sample in a different spectral state than previously observed.

Proposal Number: 074266
PI Last Name: Miller
Title: A Hard Look at Neutron Star Radii and Disks with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR
Abstract: We request 40 ks observations of Cygnus X-2, 4U 1636-53, GX 17+2 and 4U 1705-44, jointly with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR. The primary goals are to test the ubiquity of relativistic lines in "Z" and "atoll" sources, and to obtain constraints on stellar radii and/or inner disk radii in cases where relativistic lines are found. With NuSTAR as a guide, we will determine when pile-up has been removed from the EPIC-pn ``timing'' mode observations via the exclusion of central pixels. We can then fully leverage the superior resolution of the EPIC-pn in the Fe K band in order to check for ionized disk winds that could distort disk reflection. The low energy coverage of XMM-Newton will give the best possible contraints on the direct continuum and the neutral line-of-sight absorption.

Proposal Number: 074285
PI Last Name: Hamaguchi
Title: Probing the Highest Energy Phenomena of Eta Carinae around Periastron in 2014
Abstract: Eta Carinae is an extremely massive binary system whose strong winds produce a variety of high-energy X-ray and possibly gamma-ray emission. Earlier observations found interesting features in the extremely hard X-ray band: i) a flat spectral component above 9 keV toward the flux maximum; ii) strong 15-20 keV emission during an occultation of the wind-wind colliding plasma; iii) stable power-law emission above 25 keV. These features are signs of the highest energy processes yet detected in any colliding wind binary. Broad band X-ray observations around periastron are essential to understand those features. We therefore propose joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations at 4 key phases around the next periastron passage of Eta Carinae in 2014.6.

Proposal Number: 074301
PI Last Name: Koss
Title: XMM and NuSTAR Observations of a New Population of Heavily Obscured AGN
Abstract: We propose joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of 10 AGN newly detected in the Swift-BAT all- sky maps using a weighting scheme optimized to detect nearby heavily obscured, Compton-thick AGN. These targets are likely among the brightest examples of reflection-dominated AGN available across the sky, providing the best targets for detailed study. The proposed sensitive, broadband X-ray observations will allow us to confirm their reflection-dominated nature, study the iron line morphology (XMM), and constrain the absorbing column and reflection (NuSTAR). The shape of the X-ray background requires a significant population of heavily obscured AGN. This flux-limited sample will improve our understanding of this important population by providing detailed study of some of the nearest examples.

Proposal Number: 074306
PI Last Name: Grefenstette
Title: A broadband, time-resolved study of the persistent Stellar Mass Black Hole LMC X1
Abstract: We propose joint XMM and NuSTAR observations of the stellar mass black hole X-ray binary LMC X-1. These broadband observations will be the first to simultaneously constrain both the soft thermal component from the accretion disk around the black hole and the non-thermal continuum emission that extends into the hard X-ray band. The improved energy resolution of NuSTAR and the overlap between the XMM and NuSTAR bands will improve the measurement of the black hole spin via the broad iron line. The soft thermal component has short timescale (hours) variability of unknown origin; we will improve the temporal resolution of the continuum components by roughly an order of magnitude over previous observations and shed light on the nature of these variations.

Proposal Number: 074312
PI Last Name: Mukai
Title: Testing Reflection in Intermediate Polars: Joint XMM-Newton+NuSTAR Observations
Abstract: We propose joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of 3 intermediate polars (IPs) to test our understanding of reflection, widely observed in accreting binaries and in active galactic nuclei. A physical fit requires a consistent treatment of the reflection bump and the 6.4 keV line, but only the latter has been reliably observed in IPs to date. We will fit the phase-averaged spectra of our targets to derive the reflection amplitude. We will also measure the spin modulation in the reflection component in IPs for the first time. This will help verify the theory of angle dependent reflection, help break any remaining degeneracy in fitting the phase-averaged spectra, and allow us to determine the system geometry of individual IPs with non-sinusoidal X-ray spin modulations.

Proposal Number: 074352
PI Last Name: Tomsick
Title: Observing Aql X-1 to understand the hard X-ray emission from NS transients
Abstract: At low luminosities, the X-ray spectra of neutron star (NS) LMXB transients often contain two components: one is due to thermal emission from the NS surface and is reasonably well-understood, while the other is a hard power-law of unknown origin. Recently, observations of Cen X-4 in quiescence with XMM-Newton and the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) have provided the first look at the broadband spectrum. The hard component is sharply cutoff above 10 keV and is consistent with a bremsstrahlung emission mechanism. We propose a joint XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, and Swift Target of Opportunity program to observe Aql X-1 in order to compare the broadband spectrum from this system to that of Cen X-4.

Proposal Number: 074360
PI Last Name: Torrejon
Title: Gamma Cas: double trouble
Abstract: We propose to use the unique combination of high spectral resolution of XMM and the broadband coverage of NuSTAR to advance in the study of the nature of the mysterious Be/X-ray source gamma Cas. This object displays extreme conditions: a very hot plasma (>12 keV), a very hard spectrum, and a big circumstellar disk. Two hypotheses have been put forward to explain the origin of the X-ray emission in these objects: a) accretion onto a compact companion and b) emission from the star+disk interaction through stellar magnetic fields. Both of these challenge profoundly our current.

Proposal Number: 074361
PI Last Name: Vink
Title: G354.4+0.0: the youngest Galactic supernova remnant?
Abstract: Although the supernova rate in the Milky Way is thought to be 3 per century, only two supernova remnants younger than 400 yr are known, Cas A and G1.9+0.4. Both these sources are X-ray synchrotron emitters, and in both these sources freshly synthesized, radio-active Ti-44 has been detected. This year a new, small (1.6 arcmin) shell-type supernova remnant was discovered, G354.4+0.0, which is a good candidate to be the youngest supernova remnant in the Galaxy. We propose to observe G354.4+0.0 both with XMM-Newton, for detailed imaging spectroscopy, and with NuStar for characterizing the potential synchrotron emission and search for line emission caused by the decay of Ti-44 at 68 keV and 78 keV.

Proposal Number: 074363
PI Last Name: Ponti
Title: Monitoring a close encounter between a small cloud and a supermassive BH
Abstract: A gas cloud, dubbed G2, was recently discovered to be falling towards Sgr A*. This allows us to witness the unique occurrence of a cloud interacting with the BH's close environment and likely partially accreting. We propose 4*50 ks XMM observations to: i) monitor the long term variations of the X-ray flux produced by Sgr A* as it interacts with the cloud; ii) monitor any variation, induced by the cloud flyby, to the frequency and intensity of Sgr A*'s flaring activity; iii) use the magnetar's light echo and its variations to scan the Galactic centre matter distribution around Sgr A*; iv) monitor the evolution of the superluminal echo reflected from the Bridge.

Proposal Number: 074396
PI Last Name: Harrison
Title: The hard state of a transient black hole: is the accretion disk truncated?
Abstract: The combination of the fast EPIC-pn modes and broad-band coverage with RXTE proved to be an effective means of exploring accretion in bright Galactic black holes. XMM and NuSTAR provide an even more powerful combination. We propose to make one joint 40 ks observation of a new or known black hole transient during a bright, hard outburst phase. The goals of this program are to 1) measure the spin of the black hole via the Fe K-alpha line and broad-band disk reflection spectrum, 2) test an apparent anti-correlation between winds and jets in soft and hard states by making a very sensitive search for winds in a hard, intermediate, or very high state. This observation will be supported by a network of ground-based observatories and X-ray monitoring.

Proposal Number: 074404
PI Last Name: Bauer
Title: Pinning Down the X-ray Reflection Component in the Changing-Look AGN
Abstract: One of the first Swift-BAT AGN observed by NuSTAR was the heavily-obscured Sy2 galaxy IC 751. Additional NuSTAR observations have shown that the object's absorption varies dramatically (~0.7-3.3e24 cm-2), such that IC 751 may be a more obscured version of the ``changing-look'' NGC 1365. IC 751's variable nature could portend the existence of a significant population of such objects. Notably, however, the IC 751 field has no useful 0.5-10 keV spectral constraints, so we request a modest XMM-Newton observation to characterize IC 751, as well as two serendipitous NuSTAR-detected objects identified in the same FOV. This 0.5-79 keV dataset will allow us to constrain the degree of reflection and contamination present in IC 751, as well as secure NH constraints for the two serendipitous objects.

Proposal Number: 074418
PI Last Name: Schwope
Title: Magnetic accretion in high-accretion rate polars
Abstract: The spectral components of polars -- strongly magnetic CVs -- are barely disentangled without sufficient spectral coverage. XMM-Newton plus NuSTAR can solve the riddle but the frequent low states of the brightest members prevented systematic studies of high-accretion rate polars (HARPs). We thus began TOO-like XMM-Newton observations of the brightest systems in their high states and propose to continue in AO13 with one further trigger. We will investigate the physics of the hard X-ray emitting shock, the heated accretion pole cap, the atmosphere of the white dwarf, the absorption in the shock and in the flow, the lines in the accretion flow and the reflection from the white dwarf by phase-resolved X-ray spectroscopy and high-speed OM-photometry.

Proposal Number: 074432
PI Last Name: Kolehmainen
Title: The soft X-ray component and the hard continuum curvature in black hole binaries
Abstract: We propose a 40ksec joint XMM-Newton/NuSTAR observation of the black hole binary Swift J1753.5-0127 in its persistent faint low/hard state. This will constrain the radial stratification of the corona and the spectral curvature of the low/hard state continuum in the unprecedented 0.7-70keV band. This will then give the most unambigious measure of the strength of the soft X-ray component and resolve some of the controversies over the accretion geometry. The observation will also help with ongoing calibration/cross- calibration efforts for both satellites. This observation is not time critical, and will be feasible when it best suits the satellites' schedules. An ongoing AMI LA radio monitoring programme of Swift J1753.5-0127 will be adapted to coincide with this XMM-Newton/NuSTAR observation.

Proposal Number: 074449
PI Last Name: Ballo
Title: Absorption variability in Mrk 915
Abstract: We aim at exploiting the high-quality X-ray spectroscopy and broad-band spectral coverage of XMM and NuSTAR to reveal the physics, structure and location of the X-ray obscuring matter in Seyferts. We request a simultaneous monitoring with XMM and NuSTAR of Mrk915, a local, X-ray bright and obscured AGN where a significant variation in the NH (Delta NH~10^23cm-2) has been revealed by short exposure Swift data. We ask for a long observation (130ks) with XMM followed by 2 shorter (50ks each) at a distance of about 4 and 10 days from the first one, combined with 3 observations with NuSTAR of 50ks each, to be performed simultaneously to XMM. This will allow us to probe variability on timescales from <2 days (in the 130ks observation) to 10 days, placing strong constraints on the absorber structure.

Proposal Number: 074462
PI Last Name: Mereghetti
Title: Measuring the strongest magnetic fields in the Universe
Abstract: AXPs and SGRs are believed to be magnetars, ultra-magnetised neutron stars mainly powered by huge magnetic fields. We recently discovered a phase-dependent absorption line in the X-ray spectrum of SGR 0418+5729, which implies the existence of localized magnetic structures with B~10^15 G, despite its much lower dipolar field, as predicted by the magnetar model. We propose to use XMM-Newton and NuSTAR to study in more detail the spectral line in this source (if it undergoes a new outburst) or any other similar feature discovered in other magnetar candidates.

Proposal Number: 074525
PI Last Name: Uttley
Title: Staring down the gravity well: a comprehensive study of the hard state of Cyg X-1
Abstract: We repropose our previously-awarded request to observe the bright persistent hard state of Cyg X-1 with the EPIC-pn in timing mode for 4 consecutive XMM-Newton orbits, in order to reverberation map the iron Kalpha line for the very first time in an X-ray binary. Unfortunately the source has remained in the soft state since our original proposal in 2010, so we request continuation with an expanded science team, including observations from NuSTAR, VLBA, CARMA and VERITAS, for an unprecedented multiwavelength study of disc, corona, stellar-wind and jet, when the source finally transitions back to the hard state.

Proposal Number: 074173
PI Last Name: Kaspi
Title: Target-of-Opportunity XMM and NuSTAR Observations of Magnetars in Outburst
Abstract: Magnetars are highly magnetized young neutron stars that are powered by the decay of their enormous magnetic fields. Magnetars exhibit dramatic variability including major outbursts -- a hallmark of their emission. These outbursts allow us to probe the extreme physics at works in the s largest known magnetic fields. Understanding the evolution of these outbursts will place stringent constraints on physical models of magnetars, including their crusts, atmospheres, coronae, and magnetospheres. In this proposal, we request XMM EPIC and NuSTAR Target-of-Opportunity observations of a major magnetar outburst in AO-14 in order to constrain the detailed physics of magnetars.

Accepted NuSTAR Programs through XMM-Newton Cycle 14

Proposal Number: 076035
PI Last Name: Behar
Title: Tracking Down the Ionized Outflow of NGC 7469
Abstract: Using a multiwavelength campaign on NGC 7469, led by XMM-Newton, HST, Swift, NuSTAR, and optical, we propose to achieve new physical insights into the enigmatic AGN winds, by obtaining the deepest ever RGS spectrum of this highly accreting source. It will allow us to determine the accurate ionisation and chemical structure of the wind. Using EPIC and RGS, we will measure the response of the outflow to continuum variations, which combined with HST/COS data will unambiguously determine the location, and abundances of the outflow components.Our team pioneered this approach, and applied it successfully (14 refereed papers) to Mrk 509 that featured only a multi-year response. The unique properties of NGC 7469 make it the ideal candidate to respond on shorter, better-monitored time scales.

Proposal Number: 076053
PI Last Name: Reeves
Title: A hard X-ray view of the inner disc in Mrk 1040
Abstract: The study of the X-ray spectral components in AGN allows us in principle to infer the properties of the accretion disk and in some cases, the black hole spin. This proposal concerns the study of the nearby, Xray bright Seyfert 1 galaxy, Mrk 1040, which shows the presence of an unusually intense and highly broadened (FWHM: 60000 km/s) Fe K line, as well as a strong hard X-ray excess above 10 keV. Mrk 1040 is also rapidly variable and shows a tentative detection of lags at soft X-rays. Here we request simultaneous XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations (160 ks and 120 ks), enabling us to determine the origin of the hard X-ray excess and ultimately the spin of the central black hole. We will also determine the presence the X-ray lags above 10 keV, as expected in disc reverberation scenarios.

Proposal Number: 076064
PI Last Name: Petrucci
Title: X-ray spectral evolution of microquasars during soft-to-hard state transitions
Abstract: We propose to perform (as a ToO) a series of 4x10ks+2x40 ks joint XMM-Newton/NuSTAR observations (spaced by a few days) of a microquasar during its outburst decline phase to follow its broadband X-ray spectral evolution with an unprecedented precision. We will perform simultaneous radio, optical and IR observations to observe the reactivation of the jet. This will allow us i) to carefully investigate the physical/geometrical changes of the disc/corona system through the transition and ii) to reveal the drivers of the quenching/reappearance of the jets during the state transitions and how they connect to the properties of the accretion flow.

Proposal Number: 076107
PI Last Name: Gastaldello
Title: The giant radio halo in the low-luminosity X-ray cluster Abell 523
Abstract: We propose a joint XMM-NuSTAR observation of the cluster Abell 523. We recently found in this cluster a radio halo that is striking because it is in a low luminosity X-ray cluster, outside of the well established radio power-X-ray luminosity relation for radio halo clusters. This challenges the current scenario for radio halo formation. The joint XMM-NuSTAR observation will afford a detailed mapping of the surface brightness and temperature distribution of the thermal gas and will allow a detailed investigation of the Inverse Compton (IC) emission in one of the best targets to perform this search. In the case of a detection it will provide a measurement of the spatial distribution of the IC emission and a measurement of the magnetic field.

Proposal Number: 076187
PI Last Name: Kara
Title: Reverberation in the bright NLS1, IGR J19378-0617
Abstract: We propose to make a 120 ks XMM-Newton observation coordinated with NuSTAR of the little known NLS1, IGR J19378-0617, in order to probe a broad range of variability timescales in this extremely bright, low mass source. It has been observed with XMM-Newton for only 12 ks and is clearly detected in the BAT 70-month catalog. Despite its short exposure, this source shows several interesting features that require further exploration, including a low-frequency continuum lag, even hints of high-frequency reverberation,and a low-ionization warm absorber in the RGS. It is also a hard X-ray source that will clearly be detected by NuSTAR. Given its strong variability and high count rate, has potential to reveal time lags above 10 keV.

Proposal Number: 076191
PI Last Name: Leighly
Title: Unifying X-ray Weak Quasars: Is there a Highly Absorbed Component in PHL 1811?
Abstract: Quasars exhibit X-ray emission proportional to their UV emission, and most X-ray weak objects are absorbed. The exception may be PHL 1811, a nearby quasar that is 25--100 times X-ray fainter than expected, but has a steep and variable X-ray spectrum suggesting a direct view of the central engine. It also has unusual UV emission line properties that are consistent with its X-ray weak SED. Searches for PHL 1811 analogs, chosen by their UV spectral properties, find objects that are X-ray weak but which have hard X-ray spectra, suggesting absorption. Previous X-ray observations of PHL 1811 extended only to 6 keV, so a highly absorbed component can’t be ruled out. We propose coordinated XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations to see whether PHL 1811 is intrinsically normal and highly absorbed.

Proposal Number: 076194
PI Last Name: Tomsick
Title: Determining the Nature of Unidentified IGR Sources in the Galactic Plane
Abstract: The INTEGRAL satellite has been discovering extreme sources that were missed by previous surveys. While this is providing a much more complete view of hard X-ray source populations, follow-up efforts are essential for determining the nature of the sources. This proposal, which focuses on Galactic sources, such as the population of High Mass X-ray Binaries (HMXBs), includes three sources for which short Chandra observations made during the past year have allowed for the identification of optical counterparts. We propose to perform a complete and definitive identification of IGR J14091-6108, IGR J18381-0924 and IGRJ17164-3803 by combining XMM, VLT (optical spectroscopy), and NuSTAR observations.

Proposal Number: 076197
PI Last Name: Hornschemeier
Title: A Hard X-ray View of Andromeda: Coordinated XMM-NuSTAR Observations of XRBs
Abstract: We request 35 ks with EPIC to compliment a 200 ks depth 10-30 keV NuSTAR survey of an area of the M31 disk. These simultaneous XMM-NuSTAR observations will also compliment previous XMM-Newton wide-field and XMM/Chandra bulge-monitoring studies of M31. We will measure the 0.5-30 keV spectra of the X-ray Binaries (XRBs) detected by XMM and NuSTAR (reaching 3e36 erg/s, 4-25 keV) thereby constraining the accretion states of hard X-ray point sources and compare them with well-studied Galactic XRBs.

Proposal Number: 076203
PI Last Name: Kaspi
Title: Target-of-Opportunity XMM and NuSTAR Observations of Magnetars in Outburst
Abstract: Magnetars are highly magnetized young neutron stars that are powered by the decay of their enormous magnetic fields. Magnetars exhibit dramatic variability including major outbursts -- a hallmark of their emission. These outbursts allow us to probe the extreme physics at works in the Universe’s largest known magnetic fields. Understanding the evolution of these outbursts will place stringent constraints on physical models of magnetars, including their crusts, atmospheres, coronae, and magnetospheres. In this proposal, we request XMM EPIC and NuSTAR Target-of-Opportunity observations of a major magnetar outburst in AO-14 in order to constrain the detailed physics of magnetars.

Proposal Number: 076221
PI Last Name: Fuerst
Title: The accretion geometry in a black-hole binary at very low luminosities
Abstract: We propose to make a joint 80 ks XMM-Newton plus 40 ks NuSTAR observation of a new or known black hole transient during the end of an outburst, after it entered the low-hard state. The goal is to measure the inner truncation radius of the accretion disk and to study the accretion geometry before the black hole goes into quiescence again. We aim to observe a source at luminosities below 1% L_edd, to measure the most significant changes in the inner radius and taking full advantage of the combined sensitivity of XMM and NuSTAR. The observations will be supported by radio observations to study the connection between the accretion disk and jet power.

Proposal Number: 076225
PI Last Name: Krivonos
Title: Non-thermal X-rays from the Arches cluster region
Abstract: We propose XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of the Arches cluster to improve our knowledge of the X-ray reflection, which has recently been shown to be the likely origin of the non-thermal emission from the cluster. The aims are to obtain a measurement of the variable iron line flux, an accurate morphology map of the fluorescent iron line emission along with 10-20 keV non-thermal continuum, and a broadband spectrum of the neutral material outside the star cluster. The proposed observation is a unique possibility (and maybe the last chance) to study fading fluorescent emission of this isolated and compact molecular cloud in the Galactic center.

Proposal Number: 076289
PI Last Name: Kargaltsev
Title: Detailed study of PSR B0656+14
Abstract: We propose XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of PSR B0656+14. Its X-ray spectrum shows complex variability with the pulsar’s rotation phase. Our re-analysis of archival data suggests that much of the variability could be due to spectral feature(s) rather than a hot polar cap. If confirmed, it would only be the second case when such features are seen in the spectrum of a rotation-powered pulsar. The origin of the features must be intimately linked to the properties of NS atmospheres or magnetospheres. However, one should study the features in more than one pulsar before a definitive interpretation can be given. In addition, our observations will fill in the gap in the multiwavelength spectrum of B0656+14 by measuring its non-thermal spectrum above 6 keV.

Proposal Number: 076291
PI Last Name: Hamaguchi
Title: The Electron and Ion Equilibrium in Colliding Wind Plasma
Abstract: The massive binary systems, Eta Car and WR140, emit strong hard X-rays from the wind-wind collision (WWC). The joint XMM and NuSTAR observations of Eta Car around periastron in AO13 presented detailed views of extreme hard X-ray emission from the star for the first time. The >10 keV slope has an excess from the thermal spectral model measured between 5-10 keV, suggesting that the electrons and highly ionized iron ions are not in equilibrium, or reflection emission is contaminated. We therefore propose to revisit Eta Car at orbital phase ~0.2 when the WWC is relatively stable. For comparison, we also propose to observe WR140 at a similar orbital geometry, which does not show reflection emission and whose stellar, orbital and wind parameters are precisely determined, to study the electron ion in [truncated].

Proposal Number: 076292
PI Last Name: Koss
Title: XMM and NuSTAR Observations of a New Population of Heavily Obscured AGN
Abstract: We propose XMM-Newton observations of 6 AGN (5 jointly with NuSTAR) newly detected in the Swift-BAT all-sky maps using a weighting scheme optimized to detect nearby, heavily obscured, Compton-thick AGN. These are among the brightest examples of reflection-dominated AGN available across the sky, providing the best targets for detailed study. The proposed sensitive, broadband X-ray observations will allow us to confirm their reflection-dominated nature, study the iron line morphology (XMM), and constrain the absorbing column and reflection (XMM+NuSTAR). The shape of the X-ray background requires a significant population of heavily obscured AGN and this flux-limited sample will improve our understanding of this important population by providing detailed study of some of the nearest examples.

Proposal Number: 076298
PI Last Name: Gelfand
Title: The Supernova Remnant and Hard X-ray Emission of PWN G54.1+0.3
Abstract: A pulsar wind nebula (PWN) inside a supernova remnant (SNR) is an important laboratory for studying neutron star formation and high energy particle acceleration. This is often accomplished by fitting the observed properties of a PWN inside a SNR with a perhaps oversimplified evolutionary model for such source. Applying such a model to PWN G54.1+0.3 suggests a ~20 Solar Mass progenitor which exploded inside a low density medium and that leptons are accelerated to >1 PeV. In this proposal, we request the XMM and NuStar observations needed to not only test the SNR and hard X-ray properties predicted by our model, but determine its distance and where inside the PWN the highest energy leptons are produced.

Proposal Number: 076321
PI Last Name: Sidoli
Title: IGR J 11215-5952: searching for cyclotron lines in a SFXT pulsar
Abstract: Supergiant Fast X-ray Transient are a sub-class of high mass X-ray binaries showing sporadic outbursts lasting only a few days, where most of the X-ray luminosity is concentrated in short (a few hours) X-ray flares reaching 1E36-1E37 erg/s. The driving mechanism is still highly debated, and involves models predicting magnetar-like neutron star magnetic fields (1E14 G) versus more typical values (1E12 G). IGRJ11215-5952 is the only SFXT with predictable outbursts, being periodic with a 165 day orbital period. This allows us to propose a XMM and NuSTAR joint observation (20 ks) to search for a cyclotron line and directly determine the NS magnetic field. This will enable to disentangle among the currently available models.

Proposal Number: 076322
PI Last Name: Walton
Title: The Extreme Hard Excess and Black Hole Spin of IRAS 13197-1627
Abstract: The nearby type 1.8 Seyfert galaxy IRAS 13197-1627 shows evidence for some of the strongest accretion disk reflection observed among local, Compton-thin AGN. This indicates an extreme accretion geometry in which the intrinsic continuum emission experiences strong gravitational light bending, resulting in an X-ray spectrum dominated by reflection from the inner accretion disk. We request a coordinated broadband X-ray observation of this remarkable source with XMM and NuSTAR. This will enable us to robustly confirm the extreme reflection, and utilize the full potential of the latest models to measure the black hole spin and constrain the coronal geometry, self-consistently accounting for both the relative strength and the profile of the reflected emission.

Proposal Number: 076340
PI Last Name: Pintore
Title: SEARCHING FOR IMBH CANDIDATES AMONG ULTRALUMINOUS X-RAY SOURCES
Abstract: A sub-sample of bright Ultraluminous X-ray Sources (L ~ (1-5)e40 erg/s) show speculiar power-law like spectra, with no high energy turn-off and short-term variability at the level of ~10%. These sources may possibly host Intermediate Mass Black Holes (IMBHs) in a low/hard state, although their apparently flat spectral shape may be the effect of poor counting statistics. Here we propose new simultaneous medium-deep XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of three such objects to find evidence either of the typical X-ray properties (power-law spectra and short term variability) that should characterize sub-Eddington accretion onto an IMBH or of the characteristic spectral curvature of the Ultraluminous state.

Proposal Number: 076347
PI Last Name: Doroshenko
Title: Accretion column: from dawn till dusk
Abstract: In spite of more than forty years of studies open questions remain on the structure and physical properties of the emission regions of accreting X-ray pulsars. Here, we propose to observe the transient X-ray pulsar V0332+53 with two 20ks pointings during the decline of an outburst with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR. These joint TOO observations will allow us to observe the source both in high and low luminosity states when the accretion regime and the emission region are expected to drastically change. The unique sensitivity and broadband coverage offered by a simultaneous XMM Newton/NuSTAR observations will allow a detailed spectral and timing analysis in both states. This is essential to constrain the properties of the emission region and the critical luminosity.

Proposal Number: 076379
PI Last Name: Vasudevan
Title: The Hard X-ray Perspective on the Soft X-ray excess
Abstract: The physical origin of the soft excess in AGN remains hotly debated. Blurred ionised reflection, Comptonization, ionised absorption and other models can account for it, but 0.4-50keV observations are needed to break the degeneracy between models. Our recent work shows that short, simultaneous snapshots with XMM and NuSTAR can distinguish between reflection and absorption using only the strengths of the soft and hard excesses, without requiring more complex model fits. We propose to observe 7 extreme AGN from the hard X-ray-selected Swift/BAT catalogue jointly with XMM and NuSTAR in a 140 ks campaign. Our observations will constrain the soft excess production mechanisms in these sources using a novel, powerful technique, shedding light on this long-standing question in AGN science.

Proposal Number: 076386
PI Last Name: Luangtip
Title: A broad-band view of nearest disc-like ULX
Abstract: Recent work has shown that ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) with luminosities <3*10^39 erg s-1 predominantly show very broad, disc-like spectra. However, little is known of the physics of this spectrum, and how it relates to both sub-Eddington discs and the brighter ultraluminous state spectra. Here, we propose 3 simultaneous XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of the archetypal, very nearby disc-like ULX M33 X-8, with the goal of resolving the origin of its disc-like spectrum using broad-band X-ray spectroscopy. The combination of XMM-Newton and NuSTAR will determine whether the hard tail of the spectrum is thermal or non-thermal; and with high signal-to-noise EPIC data it will measure the spectral variability between epochs, constraining the plausible physical models for disc-like ULXs.

Proposal Number: 076392
PI Last Name: Nardini
Title: Probing the nature of the X-ray continuum in the quasar MR 2251-178
Abstract: We propose to carry out a joint XMM-Newton/NuSTAR campaign on the radio-quiet quasar MR 2251-178, arranged into four 25-ks observations. The goal is to understand the origin of the puzzling curvature in the X-ray continuum by taking advantage of both the simultaneous, high-quality spectral coverage over more than two decades in photon energy and the possible changes in the broadband spectral shape to distinguish among alternative physical models. This will provide fundamental insights into the emission process in the central regions of this X-ray bright quasar, and into the coupling between the illuminating continuum and the photoionized gas across various spatial scales, from the circumnuclear warm absorber to the 100-kpc wide emitting nebula.

Proposal Number: 076401
PI Last Name: Braito
Title: MCG-03-58-007: a new powerful inner accretion disk wind
Abstract: We request deep (130ks) simultaneous XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of the new powerful disk wind detected in the Seyfert 2 MCG-03-58-007 (Fx~2x10^-12cgsz=0.0315). A Suzaku observation revealed a deep absorption trough at 7.5-9 keV, possibly associated with the presence of a high column density (NH~4x10^23cm-2), highly ionized absorber outflowing at v~0.1c, strongly resembling the case of PDS 456. We ask for a simultaneous observation with NuSTAR to perform a detailed spectral analysis and derive the location and energetics of this wind. By exploiting the combined high-quality X-ray spectroscopic capabilities and broad-band spectral coverage of the XMM-Newton and NuSTAR data we will constrain the underlying continuum and thus better investigate the profile of the absorption features.

Proposal Number: 076418
PI Last Name: Sanna
Title: Tracing the accretion disk using Fe lines and kHz QPOs
Abstract: Fe K- lines have now been detected in about half a dozen neutron-star accreting X-ray binaries. Under the commonly accepted interpretation, these lines can be used to set tight constrains on the accretion disk geometry and on the radius of the neutron star. Using simultaneous XMM-Newton/RXTE observations of 4U 1636-53, we have recently shown that the inner disc radius deduced from the characteristic frequency of the timing features and from the Fe-line profile does not change consistently with time, contradicting the expected scenario. It is intriguing that the Fe line appears to behave differently. Here we propose to observe this system with XMM-Newton three times for 30 ks, simultaneously with NuStar observations.

Proposal Number: 076434
PI Last Name: Papitto
Title: Hunting for transitional millisecond pulsars with XMM-Newton and NuStar
Abstract: The XMM discovery of a ms pulsar swinging between an accretion-powered (X-ray)and a rotation-powered (radio) pulsar state demonstrated that transitions between the two states can be observed over timescales of a few weeks. We propose an XMM/NuStar ToO observation of 60 ks aimed at studying the accretion state of transitional ms pulsars, detecting X-ray accretion powered pulsations, and characterizing its variability over three decades in energy. Candidates are restricted to black widows and redbacks, systems in an evolutionary phase that allows state transitions. Enlarging the number of systems in this transitional phase is crucial to test binary evolution theories, and to study the disk-field interaction over a large range of mass accretion rates.

Proposal Number: 076437
PI Last Name: Risaliti
Title: Measuring coronal properties of a high redshift, luminous quasar
Abstract: We propose XMM and NuSTAR joint observations of a z=1.77 quasar, with the goal of measuring its high-energy cutoff and hence, its coronal temperature and optical depth. Only recently high S/N spectra allowed precise measurements of these parameters for the brightest local AGN, finding cutoff energies above 100~keV. Here we demonstrate that the same estimates are possible for the brightest high-z quasars, if both XMM and NuSTAR are employed. The scientific outcome is of great value: we will test whether the same physical condition shold in quasars at luminosities three orders of magnitude higher than those probed so far in the nearby Universe. An important additional goal will be the study of the X-ray absorption, both at the source rest frame and in the intervening intergalactic medium.

Accepted NuSTAR Programs through XMM-Newton Cycle 15

Proposal Number: 078056
PI Last Name: Fabian
Title: Mapping the inner accretion flow: dynamic reverberation in IRAS 13224-3809
Abstract: The Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 galaxy IRAS13224-3809 shows strong iron-K and L broad lines and high-frequency soft X-ray time lags indicating reflection from the innermost regions about a rapidly spinning black hole. It persistently varies with high amplitude changes every 2 to 3 days. The peak frequency and energy spectrum of the lags varies with flux, probably due to changes in size of the corona. We propose a Very Large Programme consisting of a 1.5Ms observation of this object, which will enable the full range of flux levels to be studied, yielding a dynamic picture of the changing height and size of the corona and transforming our understanding of how luminous black hole accretion operates.

Proposal Number: 078086
PI Last Name: Kaastra
Title: Shining light on obscured AGN outflows
Abstract: AGN can be obscured by gas streams close to the black hole that shield remote regions from ionising radiation. We witnessed such an event in NGC 5548 where 90% of the soft X-rays are blocked by a dense gas stream close to the BLR. Our joint observations with XMM-Newton, NuSTAR and HST/COS showed UV BAL lines associated with the X-ray absorption and allowed us to characterise this unique obscuration event completely. We propose to investigate a similar event in another Seyfert 1 using the same instruments. Swift monitoring will be used to find the event, which will be characterised by joint ToO observations with XMM-Newton (150 ks), HST/COS (4 orbits) and NuSTAR (50 ks).

Proposal Number: 078180
PI Last Name: Walton
Title: Broadband X-ray Spectroscopy of the Unique ULX P13 in NGC7793
Abstract: We request an XMM (50 ks) + NuSTAR (100 ks) ToO observation of the ULX P13 in NGC7793 during its ultraluminous regime (Lx > 2e39 erg/s). The dynamical mass constraint available for this source requires it to be super-Eddington at these luminosities, making it a key laboratory for understanding this exotic mode of accretion. These observations will provide the first hard X-ray detection of this source, and provide a vital point of comparison with a known super-Eddington accretor for the rest of the ULX population with broadband X-ray observations, which is currently missing. P13 is currently the only source that can provide this link. Our ToO will be triggered by the 12x1 ks Swift monitoring additionally requested as part of this proposal.

Proposal Number: 078208
PI Last Name: Auchettl
Title: THE RARE CASE OF SNR G346.6-0.2: THE NON-THERMAL MIXED-MORPHOLOGY SNR
Abstract: The detection of non-thermal X-ray emission from supernovas remnants (SNRs) provides us a unique window into studying particle acceleration at their shock-front. All of the ~14 SNRs in which non-thermal X-ray synchrotron emission has been detected are shell-like in nature, and show no evidence of interaction with large nearby molecular clouds. We propose a deep XMM and NuSTAR observation of SNR G346.6-0.2, which is a rare case of a molecular cloud interacting, mixed-morphology SNR that shows non-thermal X-ray emission. These observations will allow us to constrain and characterise the power-law tail, better define the thermal X-ray properties across the remnant, determine the effect that a dense environment has these properties, as well as the plasma conditions which lead to nonthermal X-rays

Proposal Number: 078214
PI Last Name: Fuerst
Title: The accretion geometry in a black hole binary at very low luminosities
Abstract: The combination of XMM and NuSTAR for broad-band X-ray spectroscopy is one of the most effective means today of exploring accretion in Galactic black holes. Due to the high quality spectra, reflection from the inner accretion disk and relativistic effects can be studied with unprecedented detail. Here we propose to make a joint 80ks XMM-Newton plus 40ks NuSTAR observation of a new or known black hole transient during the end of an outburst, after it enters the low-hard state. This proposal is a continuation of our AO 14 program (which we triggered on GRS 1739 278 in 2015 September) extending it to other sources and luminosity levels. Our goals are to measure the inner truncation radius of the accretion disk and to study the accretion geometry before the black hole returns to quiescence.

Proposal Number: 078252
PI Last Name: Turner
Title: Mapping the X-ray reprocessor in NGC 3227
Abstract: NGC 3227 has it all: rapid X-ray variability, a negative lag, variable Fe K emission and variable absorption. However, no observing campaign to date has been constructed to optimally use the timing and spectroscopic signatures of the reprocessor together to map the X-ray gas. We propose to combine 320 ks on XMM and 160 ks on Nustar to isolate reverberation signatures from the circumnuclear gas. Our proposed methodology will allow us to measure directly in the light curve the actual reverberation delay, the timescale of the delay and the shape of the "transfer function", which give an unambiguous model independent constraints on the reverberating gas. This gas is key to understanding the accretion process and the co-evolution of galaxies and their nuclear black holes.

Proposal Number: 078272
PI Last Name: Rivers
Title: Probing for Variable Reflection and Absorption in NGC 7582
Abstract: We request a 90ks simultaneous XMM-Newton/NuSTAR observation of NGC7582 in order to quantify the Compton reflection and absorption variability. Previous measurements of the exceptionally strong reflection features have suffered from lack of high-quality data above 10 keV, preventing robust comparisons between observations. Additionally, NGC7582 has undergone recent spectral changes which could be due to a decrease in the average luminosity of the source or increased obscuration. Thus far, X-ray spectral investigations have been unable to fully break the degeneracy between these two models, however monitoring of the variability of the spectral components will help to distinguish which scenario best describes the geometry of circumnuclear material in this source.

Proposal Number: 078354
PI Last Name: Ingram
Title: Iron line Doppler tomography with quasi-periodic oscillations
Abstract: We propose three joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of the black hole binary H 1743-322, each covering a single XMM-Newton orbit and 70ks of NuSTAR time, sampling different stages of spectral evolution during the rise to outburst. This builds upon our recent discovery that the iron line centroid energy in this source varies systematically over the course of a 4s QPO cycle, providing strong evidence that the QPO is driven by relativistic precession. We now aim to sample the same source when displaying a range of higher QPO frequencies to explore the evolution of the iron line profile phase dependence with QPO frequency and compare with the prediction of relativistic precession. We will trigger the observations from Swift monitoring throughout the outburst.

Proposal Number: 078413
PI Last Name: Hamaguchi
Title: Colliding Wind X-ray Emission from the Massive Binary WR140 around Periastron
Abstract: The wind-wind collision (WWC) in eccentric massive binary systems produces predictably variable X-ray plasma. This nearly ``controlled'' collision provides an ideal laboratory for shock astrophysics, providing key constraints on how gas thermalizes at variable density and on particle acceleration. Joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observation of WR 140 in AO14 discovered an extremely hard X-ray component, which can originate either from a kT ~13 keV plasma or inverse Compton scattering. WR 140 will experience its periastron passage in 2016, a critical time when the WWC emission changes dramatically. We propose joint XMM-Newton/NuSTAR observations of WR 140 at key phases around periastron in AO15, to determine the origin of this component and understand the X-ray Minimum.

Proposal Number: 078430
PI Last Name: Rea
Title: Prompt XMM-Newton and NuSTAR study of magnetar outbursts
Abstract: The magnetar candidates (comprising AXPs and SGRS) are a small class of neutron stars mainly powered by their huge magnetic fields. They go through long stretches of quiescence, interrupted by periods of activity, via short X-ray bursts, large giant flares and yearly-timescale X-ray outbursts. Observations performed during, or immediately after such periods yield the largest amount of information on magnetars' emission, allowing one to test the theoretical models on a variety of phenomena and source states. We propose a Joint XMM (85ks) and NuSTAR (170ks) ToO program (1 trigger of 4 observations over a few months) aimed at gathering new physical insight on magnetars crust, field configuration, magnetospheres, and evolution.

Proposal Number: 078451
PI Last Name: Pintore
Title: Searching for IMBH candidates among Ultraluminous X-ray Sources
Abstract: A sub-sample of bright Ultraluminous X-ray Sources (L X~(1-5)x10^40 erg/s) shows peculiar powerlaw like spectra, with no high energy turn-off and short-term variability at the level of ~10%. These sources might host Intermediate Mass Black Holes (IMBHs) in a low/hard state, although their apparently flat spectral shape may be the effect of poor counting statistics. Here we propose simultaneous, deep XMMNewton and NuSTAR observations of four such objects to find evidence either of the X-ray properties (powerlaw spectra and short term variability) that should characterize sub-Eddington accretion onto an IMBH or of the characteristic spectral curvature of the `Ultraluminous state'.

Proposal Number: 078457
PI Last Name: Hickox
Title: Probing the Warped Inner Accretion Flow in SMC X-1 with XMM and NuSTAR
Abstract: We propose for a series of four 20 ks observations with XMM and NuSTAR of the binary X-ray pulsar SMC X-1. This source shows a long-period (40 60 d) superorbital cycle due to a warped, precessing accretion disk. This disk is heated by the pulsed hard X-ray beam from the neutron star, and observations of this thermal emission can provide a unique probe of the inner accretion flow near the magnetosphere. However this requires sensitivity and timing resolution across the full X-ray band (from below 1 keV to above 20 keV), and sampling of a full superorbital cycle. We will take advantage of XMM's excellent sensitivity and time resolution along with NuSTAR's exquisite high-energy coverage to yield the clearest picture to date of the inner accretion flow.

Proposal Number: 078470
PI Last Name: Campana
Title: PSR J1023+0038: a tool to investigate the accretion and ejection in LMXBs
Abstract: PSR J1023+0038 is a binary system that hosts a neutron star and a low-mass, main sequence companion star. It has been observed to switch on timescales of years between states as a radio millisecond pulsar and a LMXB. After its last switch to an X-ray state in 2013, the source has been the object of an extensive multi-wavelength monitoring, during which the switch between three flux X-ray modes (high, low and flare) on timescales of 10 s has been observed. Here we propose a model to account for these switches and ask for the first strictly simultaneous NuSTAR-EPIC-Swift-OM- VLT observation to probe our model using correlations and lags (a profitable tool to probe the emission mechanism), as well as establish differences among the power spectra of the multi-band light curves.

Accepted NuSTAR Programs through XMM-Newton Cycle 16

Proposal Number: 080084
PI Last Name: Schartel
Title: Outbursts of radio-quiet AGN
Abstract: Recent XMM-Newton observations of Seyfert galaxies establish outbursts of radio-quiet AGNs as a poorly explored discovery space for AGN physics with an enormous potential to learn. We propose two 80ks simultaneous XMM-Newton/NuSTAR observations accompanied by SALT/HET optical spectroscopy of the next suited AGN outburst(s), triggered with XMM-Newton slews, Swift, Gaia and others. True AGN outbursts will allow us to trace accretion physics, X-ray spectral complexity connected with dramatic emission-line changes and possibly elusive stellar tidal disruption events probing an even more extreme accretion regime. With the detection of a new rare ``Changing Look AGN'' in July 2014 we demonstrated successful search strategy and organization of follow-up campaigns with broad wavelength coverage.

Proposal Number: 080191
PI Last Name: Halpern
Title: Observing PSR J2032+4127, a Be Gamma-ray Binary, at Periastron
Abstract: PSR J2032+4127 is a Fermi and radio pulsar in the Cygnus OB2 association, powering a TeV pulsar wind nebula. It is in a highly eccentric 48 year orbit around a Be star. We propose for time-critical spectroscopic monitoring at periastron to look for the expected interaction of the pulsar with the wind and/or disk of the Be star. XMM-Newton is also able to test for pulsations at the 143 ms spin period that would be the signature of accretion onto the neutron star. These observations are important for comparison with PSR B1259-63, the prototype and only other Be/gamma-ray binary with a known pulsar, as well as to help understand gamma-ray binaries that have compact objects of uncertain type that may be neutron stars even though their pulsations have not been detected.

Proposal Number: 080230
PI Last Name: Harrison
Title: The hard state of a transient black hole: is the accretion disk truncated?
Abstract: The combination of the fast EPIC-pn modes and broad-band coverage with RXTE was an effective means of exploring accretion in bright Galactic black holes. XMM-Newton and NuSTAR provide an even more powerful combination. We propose one joint 40 ks observation of a new or known black hole transient during a bright, hard outburst. The goals of this program are to 1) measure the inner accretion disk radius of the black hole via disk reflection spectrum and infer the black hole spin, 2) test an apparent anti-correlation between winds and jets in soft and hard states by making a very sensitive search for winds in a hard state. This observation will be supported by a network of ground-based observatories and X-ray monitoring and is in continuation of our successful program in AO 13 15.

Proposal Number: 080256
PI Last Name: Ajello
Title: The Unique Case of PKS J1220+0203: a jetted AGN with a broad Iron Line
Abstract: PKS J1220+0203 is the only AGN with a relativistic jet, whose X-ray spectrum is reflection dominated and boasts a broad Iron line emission with equivalent width of 1.2 keV. Because of the jet inclination angle and the lack of obscuration, we believe this emission arises in the inner regions of the accretion disk and it is relativistically blurred. As such it provides a unique opportunity to probe the geometry and state of the accretion flow near the black hole and the black hole spin. We propose to acquire a high signal-to-noise spectrum with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR to study the accretion flow and measure the black hole spin in this very interesting object.

Proposal Number: 080282
PI Last Name: Smith
Title: Measuring Dust Properties from High Energy X-ray Halos
Abstract: We propose observations with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR of the bright, hard, and persistent LMXB Z- source GX13+1 to (1) measure the hard X-ray halo between 2-7+ keV and (2) to measure its spectrum and timing characteristics in the 5-50 keV band. With a broad energy range and multiple observatories, we will remove statistical and thus systematic uncertainties in the halo analysis, revealing the size distribution of large grains along the line of sight.

Proposal Number: 080333
PI Last Name: Ponti
Title: Tracing the evolution of BH winds through the intermediate states
Abstract: Black hole transients (BHT) are the only class of black holes (BH) which samples a wide range of accretion rates and accretion states during their month to year long outbursts. BHT classically show two types of outflows: collimated radio-jets ubiquitous during the canonical hard state and highly ionised X-ray winds during the soft state. We propose a combined XMM+NuSTAR monitoring campaign of an high inclination BHT, to shed light on the evolution of the wind while the source transits through the intermediate states.

Proposal Number: 080409
PI Last Name: Belfiore
Title: The orbit and spectra of the brightest accreting pulsar: NGC 5907 ULX-1
Abstract: NGC 5907 ULX-1 is the most luminous of the 3 ULXs known to be accreting pulsars. At 17.1 Mpc, its X-ray isotropic luminosity peaks at 1e41 erg/s, 500 times the Eddington limit for a NS. Understanding the physics of this extreme object, for a long time prototypical of IMBHs, which defeats simple theoretical explanations, is interesting per se and essential for population studies and searches for pulsation in other ULXs. The most effective strategy is to repeatedly observe it with XMM and NuSTAR with a carefully devised schedule. Their synergy will provide us also with orbital- and spin-phase-resolved broad-band X-ray spectroscopy, essential for a better understanding of this object, in the context of other extreme ULXs.

Proposal Number: 080467
PI Last Name: Walton
Title: Tracking the Neutron Star ULX NGC 7793 P13 with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR
Abstract: Following a series of remarkable recent discoveries, we now know that some of the most luminous members of the ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) population are actually powered by apparently super-Eddington neutron star accretors. Three such systems are now known: M82 X-2, NGC7793 P13, and NGC5907 ULX1. Here we propose a series of XMM-Newton observations of P13, two of which will be coordinated with NuSTAR, in order to track the evolution of the pulse period, test the proposed orbital nature of the 64d optical period, and investigate changes in both the average and the pulse-phase resolved emission as a function of flux, for comparison with the broader ULX population. Out of the three ULX pulsars currently known, the low absorption and lack of source confusion make P13 the ideal candidate for this st

Accepted NuSTAR Programs through XMM-Newton Cycle 17

Proposal Number: 082083
PI Last Name: Nardini
Title: X-ray reflection and microlensing in the lensed quasar RX J1131-1231
Abstract: We propose to perform a simultaneous observation with XMM-Newton (130 ks) and NuSTAR (75 ks) of the lensed quasar RX J1131-1231. The flux magnification makes it possible to study in detail the central regions of a quasar at moderate redshift (z=0.658). The existing X-ray data reveal the presence of strong reflection features in RX J1131-1231, suggesting a rapid rotation of the central black hole. The new broadband observations proposed here will probe for the first time the hard X-ray emission of the source, allowing us to witness the behaviour of the broadband X-ray spectrum in response to the frequent microlensing events. RX J1131-1231 provides the unique opportunity of measuring the spin of the black hole employing two independent methods: reflection and microlensing.

Proposal Number: 082137
PI Last Name: Malyshev
Title: Joint XMM-Newton NuStar view of HESS J0632+057
Abstract: We propose to perform 25 ksec NuStar and 20~ksec XMM-Newton observations of gamma-ray binary HESS J0632+057 prior to its high state in 2018. We aim to detect the break in the spectral slope of the system as the compact object approaches the disk of Be star. The detection of the break in X-ray synchrotron spectral component will allow to test the physical model of the source and make predictions for the position of GeV-TeV break, which could be tested with HESS/MAGIC data.

Proposal Number: 082145
PI Last Name: Papitto
Title: Hunting for transitional millisecond pulsars with XMM-Newton and NuStar
Abstract: The XMM discovery of a ms pulsar swinging between an accretion-powered (X-ray) and a rotation-powered (radio) pulsar state demonstrated that transitions between the two states can be observed over timescales of a few weeks. We propose an XMM/NuStar ToO observation of 60 ks aimed at studying the accretion state of transitional ms pulsars, detecting X-ray accretion powered pulsations, and characterizing its variability over three decades in energy. Candidates are restricted to black widows and redbacks, systems in an evolutionary phase that allows state transitions. Enlarging the number of systems in this transitional phase is crucial to test binary evolution theories, and to study the disk-field interaction over a large range of mass accretion rates.

Proposal Number: 082247
PI Last Name: Satyapal
Title: Unveiling a Population of Buried Dual AGNs: An XMM+NuSTAR Follow-up
Abstract: Since the vast majority of galaxies contain supermassive black holes (SMBHs) and galaxy interactions trigger nuclear gas accretion, a direct consequence of the hierarchical model of galaxy formation would be the existence of dual active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Both theory and observations suggest that mergertriggered SMBH growth plays a vital role in driving the coordinated evolution of SMBHs and galaxies. Dual AGNs with separations < 10 kpc in particular provide unambiguous confirmation of an ongoing merger and are found in late stage mergers when the black holes experience their most rapid growth. Despite decades of searching, however, dual AGNs are extremely rare, and most have been discovered serendipitously. Using the all-sky WISE survey, we identified a population of almost 200 strongly interacting galaxies that display extreme red mid-infrared colors (W1 -W2 > 0.8) highly suggestive of powerful AGNs. The vast majority of these galaxies are optically quiescent suggesting that they represent an obscured population of AGNs that cannot be found through optical studies. We were recently awarded short exposures by Chandra to observe the 15 brightest WISE-selected dual AGN candidates with separations of a few kiloparsecs. Of the 14 targets observed thus far, 8 display two nuclear X-ray point sources and near-infrared spectra suggestive of dual AGNs despite having no optical signatures of activity, demonstrating that 1) optical studies miss a significant fraction of dual AGNs, and 2)WISE pre-selection is potentially extremely effective in identifying these objects, which may represent the most numerous population of duals. While this study can potentially exponentially increase the population of duals in advanced mergers and revolutionize our understanding of a key stage in the co-eval evolution of SMBHs and galaxies, there are insufficient counts in our existing observations for a spectral analysis necessary to constrain the intrinsic absorption and obtain the bolometric luminosities of the AGNs. We propose to follow-up on two of the brightest targets with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR to constrain the intrinsic absorption of the systems and characterize the nature of the nuclear source. These proposed observations are critical to provide confirmation that the epoch of peak black hole growth in mergers occurs in a highly obscured phase, consistent with theoretical predictions. This program is complementary to optical searches and will be the first detailed investigation into the physical environment of these optically obscured dual AGNs.

Proposal Number: 082359
PI Last Name: Rea
Title: Prompt XMM-Newton and NuSTAR study of magnetar outbursts
Abstract: Magnetars are a small class of neutron stars mainly powered by their huge magnetic fields. They go through long stretches of quiescence, interrupted by periods of activity, via large flares and yearly-timescale X-ray outbursts. Magnetar activity has been recently observed also in other pulsar classes. Observations performed during, and immediately after such periods yield the largest amount of information on this magnetic emission, allowing one to test the theoretical models on a variety of phenomena and source states. We propose a Joint XMM (85ks) and NuSTAR (170ks) ToO program (1 trigger of 4 observations over a few months) aimed at gathering new physical insight on the crust and field configuration of sources showing magnetar outbursts.

Proposal Number: 082378
PI Last Name: Kara
Title: Testing the origin of the X-ray Emission in Gamma-ray Loud NLS1 1H0323+342
Abstract: Narrow-line Seyfert 1s are a linchpin to our understanding of the physics of accretion in supermassive black holes, as they provide a direct view of the innermost regions, at the intersection of gas infall and outflow. This is especially true for the newly discovered subclass of Gamma-ray Loud NLS1s, which, in addition to their near-Eddington luminosities, also show clear evidence for mechanical outflows in the form of relativistic jets. It is debated whether the X-ray emission in these objects originates in the disc/corona or if it is produced further out in the jet. We propose to break this degeneracy by searching for X-ray reverberation lags and Ultrafast outflows in the prototype Gamma-ray Loud NLS1 1H0323+342. If short timescale lags exist between the continuum and soft excess and/or iron K line, this will suggest that the origin of the X-ray emission is the corona, leading to a better understanding of the disc, corona, wind, jet connection in supermassive black holes. We request 250 ks of XMM-Newton and 125 ks of NuSTAR time.

Proposal Number: 082403
PI Last Name: Jin
Title: Revisiting the X-ray Quasi Periodic Oscillation in the AGN RE J1034+396
Abstract: X-ray Quasi Periodic Oscillations (QPOs) are commonly seen in black hole binaries (BHB), at both low (few Hz: LF) and high (few hundred Hz: HF) frequencies. If the accretion flow scales with mass, then this predicts that there should be similar QPOs in AGN, but at timescales of days (LF) to hours (HF) in the lowest mass objects. These timescales, coupled with the requirement to observe them for > 10 cycles for a significant detection, means that they are challenging to detect. So far the most robust AGN QPO was found in a long XMM-Newton observation of RE J1034+396 in 2007. Subsequent XMM-Newton observations showed that this QPO is transient, as it is seen in only around half of the datasets with similarly sensitivity. There have been no XMM-Newton observations of this source since 2011, because it had very limited visibility, but this will improve to up to 80 ks from 2018. Therefore we propose to revisit it with both XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations, in order to investigate its QPO 7 years after the last observation, and to gain a deeper understanding of its broadband X-ray emission.

Proposal Number: 082408
PI Last Name: Jin
Title: Deepest Joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR Observations of a super-Eddington NLS1
Abstract: Mrk 1044 is one of the brightest super-Eddington NLS1s in X-rays, being 30-100 times brighter than 1H 0707-495 above 2 keV. It offers an ideal laboratory to determine the geometry of the accretion disc from the Fourier variability techniques to measure multi-wavelength time lags. We propose a large program of simultaneous XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations, in order to apply spectral timing techniques across the entire UV to 50 keV bandpass. This should enable us to distinguish between a lamppost geometry, with a compact source close to the event horizon illuminating a flat disc, and a wind geometry, where an extended source reflects from a puffed up inner disc. Existing XMM-Newton and NuSTAR data are non-simultaneous, and are limited by short exposures and background flaring.

Proposal Number: 082439
PI Last Name: Oskinova
Title: X-ray aurora of the early magnetic B-type star HR 7355
Abstract: As a decisive experiment to establish whether particle acceleration operates in magnetic hot stars, we propose a joint XMM and NuSTAR observation of the B2V star HR7355. Non-thermal radio emissions have already been detected from HR7355. Our advanced 3-D models predict rotationally modulated non-thermal X-ray emission from polar aurorae. XMM and NuSTAR observations are requested to validate this prediction. Detecting X-ray aurorae will overturn the hitherto accepted theory of X-ray production in early-type magnetic stars. The new data will also provide important insights into the auroral mechanism operating in astronomical objects, from planets to massive stars.

Accepted NuSTAR Programs through XMM-Newton Cycle 18

Proposal Number: 084049
PI Last Name: Safi-Harb
Title: Probing a PeV Accelerator: Origin of Very High-Energy Gamma Rays from W50
Abstract: Recently, very high energy TeV gamma-rays have been detected from the extended source W50/SS433 using the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov Observatory (HAWC). Multi-wavelength observations suggest that the extended lobes of W50 are being impacted by the SS433 jets tens of parsecs away. X-ray emission is found to fill the radio lobe out to the radio 'ears', softening away from the black hole and with evidence of hard X-rays in the innermost regions pointing to an extreme accelerator. We propose a joint XMM/NuSTAR observation of the HAWC emission, coincident with the inner eastern lobe of W50. This broadband X-ray study will, for the first time, resolve and constrain both the non-thermal and thermal X-ray emission, providing a key insight into the nature of this Galactic PeVatron.

Proposal Number: 084076
PI Last Name: Lopes de Oliveira
Title: HD110432: the most extreme case amongst gamma-Cas X-ray stars
Abstract: We propose to conduct a spectral and photometric characterization of the gamma Cas-like star HD 110432 from a broad energy range. The aims are to confront the multiple-discrete plasma and the cooling plasma scenarios, and look for signs of reflection of X-rays from a cold material. In addition, the investigation will allow us to check for presence of flare-like events in high energies and for extended drop-off time interval in the hard flux. This investigation requires a simultaneous campaign with the XMM-Newton (15 ks) and NuSTAR (100 ks) satelites. The ultimate goal is to contribute to solve one of the bigger X-ray mysteries in massive stars: the origin of the X-rays of gamma Cas stars; magnetic Be stars or accreting white dwarfs?

Proposal Number: 084079
PI Last Name: Harrison
Title: The bright hard state of a black hole binary: probing inner accretion properties
Abstract: The combination of fast EPIC-pn modes and broadband coverage with NuSTAR is an effective means of exploring accretion in Galactic black holes. We propose to make one joint 40 ks observation of a new or known black hole transient during a bright, hard outburst phase. The goals of this program are to 1) determine whether the accretion disk is truncated via modeling the disk reflection spectrum, and estimate the black hole spin if no significant truncation is detected 2) study fast variability behaviors, searching for QPOs in the power spectrum and comparing with theoretical models 3) test an apparent anti-correlation between winds and jets in soft and hard states by making a sensitive search for winds. This observation will be supported by ground-based observatories and X-ray monitoring.

Proposal Number: 084080
PI Last Name: Schartel
Title: Outbursts of radio-quiet AGN
Abstract: Recent XMM-Newton observations of Seyfert galaxies establish outbursts of radio-quiet AGNs as a poorly explored discovery space for AGN physics with an enormous potential to learn: GSN 069 is most likely a high Eddington-ratio true Seyfert 2 galaxy with no broad line region and no X-ray continuum. NGC 1566, HE1136-2304 and NGC 2617 are rare changing look AGNs with the latter possibly showing absorption by in-falling matter. We propose two 80ks simultaneous XMMNewton/NuSTAR observations accompanied by optical spectroscopy of the next suited AGN outburst(s). They will allow tracing accretion physics, spectral complexity connected with dramatic emission-line changes and possibly elusive tidal disruption events probing an even more extreme accretion regime.

Proposal Number: 084100
PI Last Name: Fuerst
Title: Wind structure and accretion physics in the rarely studied HMXB 1E 1145.1-6141
Abstract: We propose to observe the high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) 1E 1145.1-6141 simultaneously with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR for 40ks each. This will be the first sensitive broad-band observations of this little studied source. The system consists of a neutron star and a B2 supergiant, which is one of the latest stellar types found in a HMXB. Our goal is to investigate the structure of the accreted matter and the stellar wind and search for a cyclotron resonant scattering feature to constrain the magnetic field. We will describe the broadband X-ray spectrum with state-of-the-art physical models to constrain the physical conditions close to the neutron star and perform pulse phase-resolved analysis to constraint the emission geometry.

Proposal Number: 084180
PI Last Name: Jin
Title: Exploring the Disc-Jet Properties in the Most Super-Eddington Radio-Loud NLS1
Abstract: The mechanism of launching and powering relativistic jets in AGN is still not understood, but must link to the accretion flow. Evidence for this comes from the clear change in blazar jet properties at L/LEdd~0.01, probably due to the accretion flow transition from a geometrically thick ADAF to a thin disc. There should be another transition at L/LEdd >~ 1, where the accretion disc should puff up, but this is harder to study as few radio-loud AGN are super-Eddington. RX J0134.2-4258 is a robust super-Eddington NLS1 with L/LEdd~11, the highest of all radio-loud AGN known. Therefore, we propose a joint XMM-Newton/NuSTAR program to study the accretion disc, corona and jet mechanism in this new radio-loud super-Eddington regime.

Proposal Number: 084189
PI Last Name: Grinberg
Title: Mapping the wind and accretion structure in HMXBs using Vela X-1
Abstract: We propose a 100 ks XMM-Newton observation with simultaneous NuSTAR coverage of the wind-accreting HMXB Vela X-1 at orbital phase = 0.35 0.55, when we expect the largest changes in absorption as the accretion wake starts to overlap our line of sight. It will allow us to map the wind and accretion structure in the system, in particularly to trace the wakes, study the clumpiness of the wind and its ionization structure and investigate the location of the reprocessing sites in the system. We will additionally be able to illuminate the properties of the accretion columns through variability studies of the cyclotron resonance scattering features and pulse-phase resolved spectroscopy and to investigate the origin of the soft excess.

Proposal Number: 084234
PI Last Name: Pintore
Title: UNVEILING BLACK HOLES AND NEUTRON STARS IN ULXs
Abstract: A sub-sample of bright ULXs (Lx~(1-5)e40 erg/s) shows peculiar powerlaw like spectra in the 0.3-10 keV band, with no high energy turn-off and short-term variability at the level of ~10%. These sources might host Intermediate Mass Black Holes (IMBHs) in a hard state, although their apparently flat spectra may be the effect of low counting statistics. However, hard states with low energy spectral cut-off can indicate the presence of super-Eddington accreting neutron stars or stellar mass BHs. Here we propose simultaneous, deep XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of three best candidates to find evidence either of IMBHs, accreting sub-Eddington and with hard powerlaw spectra and high short term variability, or of the characteristic spectral shape of the super-Eddington accretion.

Proposal Number: 084276
PI Last Name: Kara
Title: Simultaneous Disc and Corona Reverberation Mapping in AGN Mrk 335
Abstract: X-ray reverberation shows that the corona is compact, within 10 gravitational radii of the central black hole, and irradiates a disc that extends down to or near the ISCO. However, these results appear in tension with recent Swift disc reverberation results, where the time delay between X-rays and UV/optical is much larger than expected from the standard reprocessing model in which a compact corona irradiates and thermalizes a thin accretion disc. In order to explain these disc reverberation results, two suggestions have been made: either (1) the thin disc is truncated with a hot inner flow or (2) absorption and scattering from the broad line region affect the time lag measurements. Neither of these two scenarios can be properly tested with Swift alone. We require XMM-Newton to study the p

Proposal Number: 084302
PI Last Name: Ricci
Title: The first systematic study of extreme accretion with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR
Abstract: Super-Eddington accretion periods are expected to be extremely important to explain the fast growth of the first supermassive black holes. We propose here a systematic broad-band X-ray study of super-Eddington AGN ( Edd = 15 to Edd = 427) at z <~ 0.1 by simultaneously observing five of them with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR. We use the best sample available, SEAMBHs, which contain objects with black hole masses estimated from reverberation mapping, making the Eddington ratio estimates extremely reliable. The broad-band observations will allow to shed light on a large number of fundamental issues, such as the behaviour of the cutoff energy, of the reprocessed radiation, of the iron complex and of the soft excess at extreme Eddington ratios.

Proposal Number: 084323
PI Last Name: Nowak
Title: EHT, XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, Chandra Study of the Black Hole MKN 501
Abstract: The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) is effectively an Earth-sized, interferometric mm-band telescope array with 20 microarcsec spatial that is conducting ground-breaking observations of distant supermassive black hole (SMBH) systems resolution. These emission size scales are consistent with those inferred from X-ray and gamma-ray variability, thus our request for joint XMM-Newton/NuSTAR/Chandra/EHT observations of a particularly interesting SMBH, MKN 501. MKN 501 belongs to a subclass of systems that may consist of a close pair of binary black holes. Along with contemporaneous EHT observations approved for Spring 2019, joint XMM-Newton/NuSTAR study of MKN 501 will provide combined broad-band X-ray spectra and variability, while Chandra can provide arcsecond imaging.

Proposal Number: 084355
PI Last Name: Margutti
Title: XMM-NuSTAR Observations of Rapid, Luminous and Blue Stellar Explosions
Abstract: We propose an in-depth X-ray study of fast blue optical transients (FBOTs), a new class of transients with luminosities and time scales that challenge traditional SN models. Alternative scenarios include a failed SN of a stripped star, He-shell detonation on a white dwarf, and a SN shock breaking through a dense medium. FBOTs have mostly been studied in the optical/UV regime, which is of thermal origin and it is not sensitive to the nature of the underlying energy source. Here we propose to capitalize on our recent discovery of X-rays from the FBOT AT2018cow with unprecedented properties, and start the first broad-band X-ray monitoring campaign of FBOTs. The primary goal is to test for the presence of engines driving the explosions and constrain their nature.

Proposal Number: 084377
PI Last Name: Schartel
Title: Catching AGN in Deep Minimum States to Unveil Their Core Environment
Abstract: The deep minimum state of AGN is characterized by a strongly suppressed or even absent primary continuum. As the continuum disappears weak spectral features like relativistic iron lines or narrow soft X-ray emission lines from ionized plasmas become highly significant and their parameters can be determined. Therefore deep minimum states offer unique possibilities to investigate in detail the physics of the reprocessed components in AGN, including the immediate vicinity of the supermassive black hole. Applying our experience (several deep minimum observations) we propose 2 triggered 10ks XMM snapshot, one 80ks XMM follow-up simultaneous with one 80ks NuSTAR one 2-orbit HST observation of an AGN in deep minimum state.

Proposal Number: 084434
PI Last Name: Kaastra
Title: Shining light on obscuring outflows in AGN
Abstract: AGN can be obscured by gas streams close to the black hole that shield remote regions from ionising radiation. We witnessed such an event in NGC 5548 and NGC 3783 where 90% of the soft X-rays are blocked by a dense gas stream close to the BLR. Our joint observations with XMM-Newton, NuSTAR and HST/COS showed UV broad absorption lines associated with the X-ray absorption and allowed us to characterise this unique obscuration event completely. We propose to investigate a similar event in another Seyfert 1 using the same instruments. Swift monitoring (98 ks) will be used to find the event, which will be characterized by joint ToO observations with XMM-Newton (150 ks), HST/COS (4 orbits) and NuSTAR (50 ks).

Proposal Number: 084469
PI Last Name: Li
Title: Observing the X-ray emission of muon neutrino events
Abstract: We propose for one 30 ks XMM ToO observation and one joint 40ks NuSTAR ToO observation on one muon track neutrino event associated with a FAVA transient. The proposed joint XMM & NuSTAR observations will identify its X-ray counterpart and characterize its X-ray emission. Together with multi-wavelength follow-ups, this proposal aims to constrain and distinguish the neutrino & multiwavelength emission scenarios for new high energy neutrino sources.

Proposal Number: 084526
PI Last Name: Piro
Title: OBSERVING THE GRAVITATIONAL WAVE SKY WITH XMM-NEWTON
Abstract: Our discovery of the first X-ray counterpart of a GW event, followed by a long-term multi-wavelength monitoring, provided the first compelling evidence of a relativistic outflow launched from the merger remnant and seen off-axis. During the next science run, planned to start in early 2019, the GW detectors will lead to routine detections of GW sources and their electromagnetic counterparts. We propose to exploit the unique capabilities of XMM-Newton to map out the diversity of these sources, and constrain the structure of their outflows. The next few detections of EM counterparts will shape our knowledge of GW sources for years to come, and the proposed observations will lead to seminal results in the nascent field of multi-messenger astronomy.

Proposal Number: 084545
PI Last Name: Court
Title: XMM-NEWTON OBSERVATION OF HIGHLY STRUCTURED FLARING IN THE BURSTING PULSAR
Abstract: The Bursting Pulsar (GRO J1744-28) is a neutron star low-mass X-Ray binary. In addition to showing Type II X-Ray bursts during outburst, at lower luminosities the source displays highly structured X-ray flaring remarkably similar to variability seen in the enigmatic black hole binary GRS 1915+105. The mechanism behind this variability is poorly understood, but believed to be related to the viscous instabilities which also give rise to Type II bursts. As such, the Bursting Pulsar is an excellent case study to study the relationship between these two behaviours. We propose two joint XMM-Newton and NuStar ToO observations totalling 80 ksec, separated by 15 days to capture both GRS 1915-like behaviour and the bursting behaviour which immediately precedes it.

Accepted NuSTAR Programs through XMM-Newton Cycle 19

Proposal Number: 086276
PI Last Name: Earnshaw
Title: NGC 925 ULX-3: a key to understanding extreme ULX variability
Abstract: We propose a broadband observation of the transient ULX, NGC 925 ULX-3, for 40ks with XMM-Newton quasi-simultaneous with a 100ks observation with NuSTAR. This source exhibits extreme levels of long-term variability of over a factor of 36, a feature also seen in several ULXs identified as neutron stars to date and linked to different possible mechanisms that are not well understood. We plan to trigger this observation when the source exceeds a flux of 6x10^-13 ergs/s/cm2, determined from an existing Swift monitoring campaign, allowing us to constrain its high-flux broadband spectrum. Coupled with this monitoring and a complementary proposal at a low flux, we will be able to build an understanding of the geometry and physical processes in play in this extreme accreting system.

Proposal Number: 086305
PI Last Name: Walton
Title: Extreme Disc Reflection in the AGN ESO 033-G002
Abstract: Previous X-ray observations of the the AGN in ESO033-G002 show evidence for some of the strongest reflection from the accretion disc observed among local, Compton-thin AGN. The unusually high reflection fraction indicates an extreme accretion geometry in which the intrinsic continuum emission experiences strong gravitational light bending, resulting in a broadband X-ray spectrum. We request a coordinated broadband X-ray observation of this remarkable source with XMM-Newton (130ks) and NuSTAR (150ks). The quality of the data will enable us to robustly confirm the strong reflection, and utilize the full potential of the latest models to measure the black hole spin and constrain the coronal geometry, self-consistently accounting for the strength and the profile of the reflection

Proposal Number: 086316
PI Last Name: Mukai
Title: Nitrogen Abundance and the Hot Blackbody Puzzle of Intermediate Polars
Abstract: V2731 Oph is an intermediate polar with a complex X-ray spectrum including a hot (kT~100 eV) blackbody component, according to a previous short XMM-Newton observation, indicative of a locally super-Eddington accretion rate. However, it is possible that the temperature measurement was incorrect because V2731 Oph is overabundant in nitrogen, which went unnoticed in the previous analysis due to the lack of high S/N RGS spectrum. If overabundance is confirmed, it can both solve the hot blackbody puzzle and have important implications on the past evolutionary history of V2731 Oph. We therefore propose a much longer XMM-Newton observation to obtain high quality RGS data. We also request a simultaneous NuSTAR observation to break potential degeneracies among soft and hard component parameters.

Proposal Number: 086323
PI Last Name: Ricci
Title: The recreation of the X-ray corona in the changing-look AGN 1ES 1927+654
Abstract: Our group recently witnessed the destruction and recreation of the X-ray corona in a nearby changing-look AGN. This source underwent an optical/UV outburst after which the X-ray power-law, ubiquitously detected in AGN, completely disappeared. Our monitoring revealed that a few months after the event, as the luminosity of the source increased, the corona re-appeared. The X-ray source is however still very cool and optically thin, and it might fully reform in the next months. We propose here several XMM-Newton/NuSTAR observations to monitor the reappearance of the hard component and the evolution of the plasma properties. The proposed observations provide a unique opportunity to study the creation of the X-ray corona, as well as to understand changing-look transitions

Proposal Number: 086342
PI Last Name: Margutti
Title: Detailed mapping of extreme mass loss with coordinated XMM-NuSTAR observations
Abstract: Contrary to expectations from current stellar evolutionary models, recent observations uncovered the ejection of shells of material by massive stars in the years before the supernova (SN) explosion. The physical mechanism behind the impulsive mass ejection synchronized with the stellar core-collapse is unclear. Here we propose a coordinated XMM-NuSTAR effort to map the evolution of the broad-band X-ray spectrum of 1 nearby (d< 50 Mpc) strongly interacting SN and enable progress. Our program has the immediate goal to characterize the medium around strongly interacting SN, which originate from stellar progenitors with the most extreme mass loss before explosion.

Proposal Number: 086401
PI Last Name: Campana
Title: The ultimate observing campaign for the Transitional ms X-ray PSRJ1023+0038
Abstract: PSR J1023+0038 is a binary system that hosts a neutron star and a low-mass, main-sequence companion star. It has been observed to switch on timescales of years between a radio millisecond pulsar and a disc-dominated state, of uncertain origin. After its last switch to a disc-dominated state in 2013, the source has been the object of extensive multi-wavelength monitoring campaigns, during which the continuous switch between three X-ray modes (high, low and flare) on timescales of 10 s has been observed. Here we propose the ultimate , strictly simultaneous, multi-wavelength campaign to study in detail this unique phenomenon. We will involve NuSTAR, XMM-EPIC, Swift-UVOT, XMM-OM, VLT/HAWK-I, VLA observations to probe models using correlations and lags, as well as to study the pulsed signal.

Proposal Number: 086403
PI Last Name: Sokoloski
Title: Preparing for the next "Nova of the Century"
Abstract: Changes in the amount of material reaching the accretion disk boundary layer can drastically modify its structure. We are witnessing such changes in a symbiotic recurrent nova, T CrB, for the first time. Two observations with NuSTAR and XMM have revealed that the accretion rate has increased by a factor of about 10 and that the boundary layer has become optically thick. The next step toward our understanding of the current state is to observe T CrB when it returns to its quiescence level, which may happen during AO19. This ToO observation will allow us to test the idea that nova eruptions in T CrB follow after multi-year periods of enhanced accretion onto the white dwarf due to an accretion disk instability. It will also help us study disk instablity events in large accretion disks.

Proposal Number: 086460
PI Last Name: Rea
Title: Prompt XMM-Newton and NuSTAR study of magnetar outbursts
Abstract: The magnetars are neutron stars mainly powered by their huge magnetic fields. They go through long stretches of quiescence, interrupted by periods of activity, via short X-ray bursts, large giant flares and yearly-timescale X-ray outbursts. Lately several normal pulsars showed magnetar-like emission, prompting important questions on the exact physics and reach of the magnetar phenomenon. We propose a Joint XMM (85ks) and NuSTAR (170ks) ToO program aimed at gathering new insights on the physics involved in the magnetar outbursts. We will trigger this program on any object that will undergo a magnetar-like outburst during AO19 (especially non-canonical magnetars).

Proposal Number: 086505
PI Last Name: Frederick
Title: The First X-ray View of a New Class of Changing-Look AGN with XMM and NuSTAR
Abstract: ZTF has enabled the discovery of a new class of LINERs "turning on" into AGN with dramatic optical spectroscopic transformations. For the most rapid transition into a NLS1, real-time monitoring revealed the presence of a prominent soft excess and a luminous X-ray flare delayed with respect to the optical rise by 2 months. The proposed program will test physical mechanisms driving this new class of changing-look LINERs with joint XMM/NuSTAR observations by measuring the response of the reprocessed hard X-ray continuum in these nine objects. We wish to map out the structure of the accretion flow state change, view for the first time this new class of changing-look LINERs in the hard X-rays, and contrast their spectral properties with that of broad line and changing-look Seyferts.

Accepted NuSTAR Programs through XMM-Newton Cycle 20

Proposal Number: 88054
PI Last Name: Petrucci
Title: Tracking a Black Hole Low-Mass X-ray Binary Wind during Spectral Transition
Abstract: We propose a Large Program of 10-day XMM-NuSTAR consecutive monitoring (30 ks/day XMM, 20 ks/day NuSTAR), triggered by Swift, of a high-inclination Black Hole LMXB during the Hard-to-Soft transition. This will allow us to simultaneously and accurately 1) determine the X-ray broadband spectral shape and 2) detect the wind absorption lines. These are key ingredients to put firm constraints on (a) the evolution of the wind physical properties with the accretion state and (b) its possible association with the jet (thanks to proprietary simultaneous IR-Radio observations).

Proposal Number: 88090
PI Last Name: Grinberg
Title: Deciphering accretion from a slow wind: the case of HXMB GX 301-2
Abstract: We propose a 70 ks XMM-Newton observation with simultaneous NuSTAR coverage of the HMXB GX 301-2 at phi = 0.5-0.7 at apastron of the highly eccentric orbit when the wind of the companion is less disturbed by tidal interaction with the neutron star and the source is bright enough to enable studies of short-term absorption variability. This will only be the second XMM-Newton observation of GX 301-2 and the first outside of the pre-periastron flare. It will allow us to study the structure of the dense, slow wind of the B1 Ia+ companion, Wray 997, and to probe wind accretion in such an extreme environment. We will additionally illuminate the properties of the accretion columns through pulse-phase resolved spectroscopy and through variability studies of the cyclotron lines.

Proposal Number: 88100
PI Last Name: Ingram
Title: The first X-ray polarimetry and spectroscopy observations of GRS 1915+105
Abstract: We propose three 30ks XMM-Newton/EPIC-pn exposures contemporaneous with three 20ks NuSTAR exposures of the black hole (BH) X-ray binary (XRB) GRS 1915+105, to be taken during a six day long IXPE (the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) observation of the source. A 250ks exposure of GRS 1915+105 has been identified as a high priority observation for IXPE in its first year of operation (from October 2021 according to present plan). The high spectral resolution and broad band pass provided by XMM+NuSTAR coverage will enable us to disentangle spectral components and provide measurements of physical accretion flow parameters to break degeneracies in our polarization models. We will use MAXI and Swift/XRT monitoring to determine whether to setup the EPIC-pn in timing or burst mode.

Proposal Number: 88135
PI Last Name: Lanzuisi
Title: Physics and Energetics of the Ultra Fast Outflow in IRAS F11119+3257
Abstract: IRASF11119+3257 is an Ultra Luminous Infrared Galaxy (ULIRG) with post merger morphology, hosting a type-1 QSO (LX 10^44 erg/s at z=0.189) with a persistent UFO (v 0.25c) observed with both NuSTAR and Suzaku. It is also the first system in which it was possible to connect the nuclear outflow with a galaxy-scale molecular outflow, observed in OH and CO transitions. Despite its exceptional properties, the source was never observed with XMM-Newton. We request a 110ks XMM-Newton observation to study in detail the nuclear outflow properties and energetics. We also request 53 ks of simultaneous NuSTAR observation, which is crucial in order to constrain the blue wing of the UFO, and the absorption edges and continuum above 10 keV.

Proposal Number: 88213
PI Last Name: Zoghbi
Title: Solving The Puzzle of The Variable Narrow Iron Line in Mrk 841
Abstract: Iron lines are observed ubiquitously in AGN, offering a powerful probe of the black hole surroundings. Mrk 841 provides a puzzling case in which the narrow iron line, usually associated with the torus or the broad line region, varies on hours time scales. This can be due either an unusually small emission region for the narrow line, or due to hot spots orbiting very close to the black hole whose emission is occasionally Doppler-boosted. With the source visibility now allowing for long exposures, we propose to observe it for two orbits, simultaneously with NuSTAR, to solve the puzzle. Confirming any of the proposed mechanisms offer an exciting opportunity to unravel unprecedented details about the line emission region.

Proposal Number: 88218
PI Last Name: Rea
Title: Prompt XMM-Newton and NuSTAR study of magnetar outbursts
Abstract: Magnetars are neutron stars mainly powered by their huge magnetic fields. They go through long stretches of quiescence, interrupted by periods of activity, via short X-ray bursts, large giant flares and yearly-timescale X-ray outbursts. Lately several normal pulsars showed magnetar-like emission, and an FRB-like event was observed during a short X-ray burst, prompting important questions on the exact physics and reach of the magnetar phenomenon. We propose a Joint XMM (85ks) and NuSTAR (170ks) ToO program aimed at gathering new insights on the physics involved in the magnetar outbursts. We will trigger this program on any object that will undergo a magnetar-like outburst during AO20 (especially non-canonical magnetars or FRB-like emitters).

Proposal Number: 88234
PI Last Name: Kara
Title: MAPPING GAS FLOWS IN THE AGN MRK 817 WITH XMM-NEWTON AND HST
Abstract: Knowledge of the structure and kinematics of gas around supermassive black holes is vital to understanding accretion and thus AGN feedback. To this end, we, the AGN STORM 2 team, have been awarded a Large 198-orbit Hubble Space Telescope program and a Las Cumbres Observatory Key Project to measure reverberation lags in Mrk 817. Previous UV/optical reverberation mapping campaigns have successfully mapped the outer accretion disc and broad line region, but reveal that X-rays (thought to be the primary driver of multi-wavelength variability) do not correlate with longer wavelengths as well as expected. X-ray spectral and timing measurements are necessary to track changes in the geometry and dynamics of the inner accretion flow that likely affect our inference of the outer disc and outflow structure. However, to date there have been no high-quality XMM-Newton observations tracing the duration of a UV/optical reverberation campaign. We request three 130 ks XMM-Newton and three 65 ks NuSTAR observations during the 1 year campaign. AGN STORM 2 is only the 2nd 200-orbit HST reverberation campaign in its 30 years mission lifetime, and will be challenging to replicate once HST enters reduced gyro mode in a few years.

Proposal Number: 88408
PI Last Name: Greenwell
Title: Confirmation of a new population of cocooned AGN
Abstract: Cocooned AGN are a new population of AGN selected with MIR properties indicative of powerful quasars, but quiescent galaxy-like optical spectra, including weak-to-absent [OIII] emission. This is likely due to AGN youth or ~4 pi covering factor obscuring material enshrouding the AGN, but the existing minimal X-ray data has been insufficient to differentiate between these scenarios. We propose a targeted campaign of 8 of the brightest CAGN in our sample. An XMM-Newton exposure quasi-simultaneously with NuSTAR is sufficient to make this distinction, even up to Compton-thick levels of obscuration, with parameter degeneracies. These observations are essential to determine the emission mechanism responsible for the CAGN and hence push towards a complete census of black hole growth & evolution.

Proposal Number: 88447
PI Last Name: Balokovic
Title: Obscuration and X-ray Reprocessing in High-luminosity Quasars
Abstract: Recent studies of AGN data from deep X-ray surveys suggest that signatures of reprocessing of the intrinsic X-ray continuum in the circumnuclear environment grow weaker with increasing luminosity, redshift, and line-of-sight column density. Selecting two bright and hard sources from a wide and deep X-ray survey, we propose to directly measure the strength of reprocessing signatures in individual high-luminosity AGN. Leveraging detailed studies of their lower-luminosity local counterparts, we will directly and independently test the reported trends. The proposed joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations offer a unique opportunity to advance studies of the obscuring circumnuclear material in AGN outside of the local Universe.

Proposal Number: 88470
PI Last Name: Papitto
Title: X-ray pulse waveform from an accreting ms pulsar and the equation of state
Abstract: Modelling of the waveform of the X-ray pulsations of accreting ms pulsars (AMSP) is one of the most promising ways to constrain the equation of state of neutron stars. However, it requires an extremely high number of counts to break the degeneracy between the many parameters that shape the X-ray pulse profiles. The polarimetric information granted by the forthcoming IXPE mission will measure the geometry of the hot spots independently, easing the requirement. We propose a 120 ks XMM-NuSTAR ToO observation of the next outburst of an AMSP to measure the pulsar ephemeris and fold simultaneous IXPE data, model the broadband spectrum, and derive a high statistics energy-resolved pulse profile. The proposed observation will measure the mass and the radius with an accuracy of a few per cent.

Proposal Number: 88509
PI Last Name: Lobban
Title: Spectral-Timing Analysis of NGC 6814
Abstract: We propose the first simultaneous XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observation (130ks) of the highly-variable AGN NGC 6814. We will apply the latest self-consistent broad-band spectroscopic models, robustly anchoring the fit with simultaneous UV/optical and hard X-ray measurements. We will also track the rapid variations of the source, extending Fourier lag measurements into the reflection band > 10keV for the first time. Additionally, through the first ever Chandra observation of this source (60ks), we will resolve the FeK profile for the first time, allowing us to disentangle any components of inner and outer disc reflection.

Proposal Number: 88518
PI Last Name: Walton
Title: Broadband Constraints on the Nature of NGC5055 ULX1
Abstract: The ultraluminous X-ray source population is now broadly expected to be dominated by super-Eddington accretors, thanks to the broadband spectroscopy provided by XMM and NuSTAR in combination, the detection of X-ray pulsations from a growing subset of ULXs (unambiguously confirming them as super-Eddington neutron stars) and the detection of powerful outflows from a handful of systems. NGC5055 ULX1 is an extreme ULX (L(X,peak) ~ 1e40 erg/s) that has received very little observational attention to date. Here, we proposal a deep, coordinated XMM+NuSTAR observation (130+150ks exposures, respectively) in order to constrain its broadband spectrum, search for pulsations, and atomic outflow signatures. These observations will provide the first robust constraints on the nature of this extreme binary.

Accepted NuSTAR Programs through XMM-Newton Cycle 21

Proposal Number: 90023
PI Last Name: Schartel
Title: The extreme X-ray weakness of PG 0043+039
Abstract: PG 0043+039 is the most X-ray weak quasar known. XMM-Newton observation in 2013 set a clear detection meaning a flux at least 3.8 times higher than in 2005. The quasar remained extremely X-ray weak, with a peculiar spectral energy distribution (SED) and a unique UV spectrum. This unique source deserves further, deeper, observations, to establish its X-ray spectrum, its optical to hard-X-ray SED and its variability. We aim at probing our hypothesis that PG 0043+039 is a genuine X-ray weak quasar and to test alternative scenarios (ADAFs, missing corona, cyclotron-emission). We propose to observe PG0043+039 quasi-simultaneously (2 days) with XMM-Newton (20+100ks), NuSTAR (60ks), HST (2 orbits), 10m Hobby-Eberly and 10m SALT Telescope in South Africa.

Proposal Number: 90041
PI Last Name: Schartel
Title: Monitoring the Building of the Corona in ESO 253-G003
Abstract: The hot corona is central for our understanding of the X-ray emission of active galactic nuclei (AGN). Beside its importance, in fact, we have very little knowledge about the corona. The last years established a new viewing angle as a few observations allowed to observe the building of a hot corona, especially in the context of tidal disruption events. Unfortunately, this observations had to follow an opportunistic approach which substantially limits their significance. Here we propose a systematic monitoring of the building of a corona in ESO 253-G003. ESO 253-G003 shows a strongly periodic disruption of its X-ray emission every ~114 days and subsequent recovery of its X-ray emitting hot corona within 20 days. This offers a unique opportunity to systematically monitor the raise of a corona.

Proposal Number: 90067
PI Last Name: Ingram
Title: The first X-ray polarimetry and spectroscopy observations of GRS 1915+105
Abstract: We propose three 30ks XMM-Newton/EPIC-pn exposures contemporaneous with three 20ks NuSTAR exposures of the black hole (BH) X-ray binary (XRB) GRS 1915+105, to be taken during an IXPE (the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) observation of the source. A 250ks IXPE exposure of GRS 1915+105 is scheduled for April 2022, and we have an accepted AO20 XMM+NuSTAR (ID 088100) proposal. The current proposal is only to cover the eventuality of a delay to the IXPE programme pushing the GRS 1915+105 observation into the AO21 cycle. The high spectral resolution and broad band pass provided by XMM+NuSTAR coverage will be vital for breaking degeneracies in our polarization models. We will use MAXI and Swift/XRT monitoring to determine whether to setup the EPIC-pn in timing or burst mode.

Proposal Number: 90237
PI Last Name: Tomsick
Title: White Dwarf Masses and Spin Periods for Hard X-ray-Selected Galactic Sources
Abstract: Accreting white dwarfs (WDs) can be strong emitters of X-rays. In intermediate polar (IP) type cataclysmic variables, the accreting material is funneled onto the WD's magnetic poles. The X-rays are produced by shock-heating, and the temperature depends on the WD mass. Thus, X-ray spectra provide a WD mass measurement. An important question is whether the WD mass distribution extends up to the Chandrasekhar limit. The best place to look for high-mass WDs is among IPs with the highest temperatures, making IPs found by INTEGRAL strong candidates for hosting the most massive WDs. Here, we propose XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of two IGR sources that are likely IPs. The goals include detecting the WD spin period to confirm the IP natures of the sources and to measure the WD masses.

Proposal Number: 90245
PI Last Name: Medipour
Title: Tackling unresolved questions on transient obscuring outflows in AGN
Abstract: Transient obscuring outflows are remarkably different from the commonly seen warm-absorber outflows in AGN. They exhibit large columns of high-velocity gas near the accretion disk/BLR. They shield much of the X-ray radiation, which can have important implications for the surrounding gas and the launching of AGN outflows. Joint ToO observations with XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, and HST, triggered using Swift monitoring, have been vital for ground-breaking results on transient obscuration events to come into light in recent years. We propose to study a new event to address the outstanding questions on the link between obscuration and AGN outflows and broaden our understanding of these events. We thus request joint ToO observations with XMM-Newton (60 ks), NuSTAR (30 ks), and HST/COS (2 orbits).

Proposal Number: 90250
PI Last Name: Mandel
Title: X-ray study of new cataclysmic variable with the fastest-spinning white dwarf Abstract: A recently-discovered intermediate polar, CTCV J2056-3014, has the shortest spin period (29.6 sec) among all CVs and white dwarfs. Fast-spinning CVs are extremely rare and unique as manifested by AR Sco (the white dwarf pulsar) and AE Aqr which spins down via the propeller effect. The proposed XMM + NuSTAR observation will allow us to fully explore the X-ray spectral and timing properties of this remarkable CV. Our primary goals are (1) determining its white dwarf mass accurately for testing the stability condition of fast-spinning WDs, (2) detecting a weak, neutral Fe K-alpha line as a signature of tall accretion column, and (3) search for non-thermal X-ray pulsation such as found from AR Sco.

Proposal Number: 90251
PI Last Name: Stern
Title: Extreme AGN Fading from eROSITA
Abstract: Spectrum-Roentgen Gamma (SRG) is, for the next two years, providing the unique ability to identify highly variable X-ray sources across the full sky at depths significantly fainter than Swift/BAT or MAXI. We propose here for six XMM-Newton + NuSTAR coordinated target-of opportunity (ToO) observations of AGN that have shown significant (>10x) fading between eROSITA passes. Broad-band data from XMM-Newton + NuSTAR will robustly determine whether the fading is due to variable extinction, which provides a probe of the clumpy torus structure, or a true decrease in the intrinsic X-ray emission due to fading or collapse of the central engine.

Proposal Number: 90259
PI Last Name: Masterson
Title: 1ES 1927+654: Constraining the Late Stages of an Extreme Nuclear Transient
Abstract: 1ES 1927+654, the first changing-look AGN caught in the act of changing phases, has undergone extreme spectral changes over the last 3 years, including the destruction and recreation of the X-ray corona, possibly due to a tidal disruption event in a pre-existing AGN accretion disk. The latest XMM-Newton observation is similar to the pre-outburst observation from May 2011, but reveals a hint of an iron line, which was notably missing in the 2011 observation. We propose one more simultaneous XMM-Newton/NuSTAR campaign of 1ES 1927+654, totaling 70 ks over two 35 ks observations, to probe the late-stage evolution of this paradigm-defying AGN. The hard X-ray spectrum will allow us to track the heating of a newly-formed corona for the first time and determine whether the iron line has appeared.

Proposal Number: 90284
PI Last Name: Garcia
Title: Truncated Accretion Disks in Black Hole Binaries
Abstract: We request 80 ks of XMM-Newton and 40 ks of NuSTAR time to trigger Target of Opportunity (ToO) observations of a new or known black hole transient during the end of its outburst, after the source has entered the low-hard state. We aim to obtain high signal-to-noise data during this fainter phase in order to measure the level of disk truncation using X-ray reflection spectroscopy. We will also provide measurements for the disk inclination, ionization and iron abundance. These observations will provide crucial constraints to support a large-scale data analysis program for these sources.

Proposal Number: 90331
PI Last Name: Balokovic
Title: Disk Megamasers as the Golden Standard for Constraining AGN Obscurer Geometry
Abstract: The rare active galactic nuclei (AGN) that are oriented toward us so that their accretion flow exhibits disk-like megamaser emission present a remarkable opportunity to study the geometry of the AGN obscurer on typically unresolvable parsec scales. Not only is their orientation highly constrained, but their black hole masses are well measured, which is otherwise difficult to achieve in obscured AGN. Their high obscuring columns allow us to directly detect and more robustly model the reprocessed X-ray spectra onto which features due to the geometry of the obscuring gas are imprinted. With a total of 256 ks of XMM-Newton and 310 ks of NuSTAR time, we propose to significantly expand the sample of nearby AGN for which obscurer geometry can be uniquely constrained using broadband X-ray data.

Proposal Number: 90332
PI Last Name: Matthews
Title: XMM-NuSTAR Observations of Rapid, Luminous and Blue Stellar Explosions
Abstract: We propose an in-depth X-ray study of fast blue optical transients (FBOTs), a new class of transients with luminosities and time scales that challenge traditional SN models. Alternative scenarios include a failed SN of a stripped star, He-shell detonation on a white dwarf, and a SN shock breaking through a dense medium. FBOTs have mostly been studied in the optical/UV regime, which is of thermal origin and it is not sensitive to the nature of the underlying energy source. Here we propose to capitalize on our recent discovery of X-rays from the FBOT AT2018cow, AT2020xnd and CSS161010 with unprecedented properties, and start the first broad-band X-ray monitoring campaign of FBOTs. The primary goal is to test for the presence of engines driving the explosions and constrain their nature.

Proposal Number: 90344
PI Last Name: Ghosh
Title: Is NGC 470 HLX1 a pulsar?
Abstract: We propose to study one known hyperluminous X-ray source, NGC 470 HLX1, simultaneously with XMM and NuSTAR for the first time. Archival soft X-ray data suggest that the source exhibits a hard pulsator like spectra and shows a marginal hint of pulsed signal. This motivates us to detect the pulsation in the new high S/N data with high confidence and study its broadband spectral properties to understand its underlying accretion mechanism which was previously not possible due to unavailability of broadband X-ray data. Pulsar population in HLXs are rare, hence, if the detection of pulsation emerge to be a real signal, NGC 470 HLX1 will be the second HLX pulsar. Therefore we propose to coordinate a simultaneous observation with 70 ksec XMM and 120 ksec NuSTAR exposure for NGC 470 HLX1.

Proposal Number: 90357
PI Last Name: Campana
Title: XMM-Newton follow-up of electromagnetic counterparts to GW triggers during LVKC-O4
Abstract: The joint detection of GWs and light from the NS merger GW170817 ushered us into a new era. Deep X-ray observations of GW170817 over 4 yr constrained the structural properties of a relativistic outflow launched by an NS merger and possibly detected the first evidence for the emerging kilonova afterglow. After this landmark discovery, the frontier is now to map the properties of a population of GW sources. We propose to exploit the unique capabilities of XMM-Newton to constrain the broad-band properties of 2 GW sources detected during LVKC-O4. Our immediate goals are: (i) map the diversity of emission from NS mergers, (ii) test the nature of the remnant object, (iii) determine if all mergers launch a jet, (iv) enable the first X-ray detections of NS-BH mergers or unclassified GW sources.

Proposal Number: 90371
PI Last Name: Neilsen
Title: The Variable Optical-X-ray SED of M87
Abstract: On behalf of the EHT's Multiwavelength (MWL) Working Group, we propose a joint campaign on M87* coordinated in part with EHT: 50 ks XMM-Newton, 4 orbits Hubble, & 50 ks NuSTAR. These observations will improve constraints on (1) the SED of M87* and its particle acceleration processes, as well as (2) the variability of the famous jet across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Accepted NuSTAR Programs through XMM-Newton Cycle 22

Proposal Number: 92032
PI Last Name: Braito
Title: The extraordinary case of Mrk 231
Abstract: We propose a simultaneous 240 ks XMM & 120 ks NuSTAR observation to study the properties of the disk wind detected in Mrk231. The nearby ULIRG/QSO Mrk231 is an exceptional QSO and a prototypical object, where we are viewing the feedback in action with overwhelming evidence of multiphase outflows. Mrk231 is a BAL QSO, where both a X-ray wind and galaxy-scale outflows were detected and appears to follow the prediction for an energy conserving scenario. Despite that, the physical properties of the X-ray wind are poorly known. Our proposed observation will be the first broad-band observation deep enough to properly investigate this wind. This observation will allow us to put stronger constraints on the energetics of the disk wind and test if it is one of the few energy conserving winds.

Proposal Number: 92075
PI Last Name: Walter
Title: Measuring the mass of the white dwarf in the symbiotic binary RT Cru
Abstract: The extraordinary symbiotic binary RT Cru, which hosts a massive (>1.25 solar masses) white dwarf (WD) and thus is a serious candidate to be a SNIa progenitor, is currently in a new optical/hard X-ray bright state; the previous one was detected in 2012 in optical photometry and with Swift/BAT. At that time the accretion rate onto the WD increased, but did not reach the value where the accretion disk boundary layer transitions to the optically thick regime. We propose to observe RT~Cru with XMM and NuSTAR during the current maximum -- an event that is unlikely to repeat within the next ten years -- in order to fully characterize the 0.3-80 keV spectrum during the maximum, allowing us to measure the shock temperature and thus the WD mass and the accretion rate through the boundary layer.

Proposal Number: 92116
PI Last Name: Gianolli
Title: Revealing the geometry of the hot corona in NGC 4151
Abstract: We propose to observe the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151 with XMM-Newton (50 ks) and NuSTAR (100 ks) simultaneously to the scheduled IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimeter Explorer) pointing. Accurate measurements of the hot corona parameters have been reported, but no significant constraints on the coronal geometry (slab, sphere, semi-sphere) have been possible so far. X-ray polarimetry has the potentiality to provide such constraints, but the signal is partly degenerate with respect to the geometrical and physical parameters of the accretion disk-corona system. To reduce them and constrain the geometrical shape of the corona, simultaneous and independent constraints on coronal temperature and optical depth, strength of the reflection components provided by a joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observation, are vital.

Proposal Number: 92118
PI Last Name: Margutti
Title: Extreme Mass Loss from Massive Stars constrained by XMM-NuSTAR observations
Abstract: Contrary to expectations from current stellar evolutionary models, recent observations uncovered the ejection of shells of material by massive stars in the years before the supernova (SN) explosion. The physical mechanism behind the impulsive mass ejection synchronized with the stellar core-collapse is unclear. Here we propose a coordinated XMM-NuSTAR effort to map the evolution of the broad-band X-ray spectrum of 1 nearby (d< 50 Mpc) or X-ray bright (Fx>3 x 10^-13 erg/s/cm2) strongly interacting SN and enable progress. Our program has the immediate goal to characterize the medium around strongly interacting SNe, which originate from stellar progenitors with the most extreme mass loss before explosion.

Proposal Number: 92142
PI Last Name: Brenneman
Title: A Detailed Exploration of Reflection and Absorption in MCG--6-30-15
Abstract: The bright NLS1 galaxy MCG-6-30-15 harbors one of the most studied AGN in high-energy astrophysics, boasting one of the strongest broad Fe K lines ever seen as well as the first time-variable warm absorber. We will obtain a 100ks observation of MCG6 during XRISM's PV phase, which will characterize its spectral signatures with unprecedented resolution. Our primary goals are to establish the kinematics of the multi-phase outflow across all ionization states in the X-ray bandpass, to verify the spin of the supermassive black hole, and to identify any misalignment of the accretion flow between the inner and outer disk/torus.We request simultaneous observations with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR to realize the full science return of the XRISM data.

Proposal Number: 92270
PI Last Name: Kammoun
Title: A deep look at the heart of the most luminous QSO in the last 9 Gyr
Abstract: Rapidly accreting QSOs are unique laboratories to understand supermassive black hole growth, and AGN feedback. Recent observations show that surprisingly, these sources do not differ much from slowly accreting QSOs. Some of these sources show a unexpected variability, notably in X-rays. Results from eROSITA and our recent monitoring of SMSS J1144 (z=0.83, log M/Msun = 9.4, Lbol/LEdd = 1.4) show that this QSO is highly variable on timescales ranging from weeks to a few months. We propose a Swift monitoring of the with the higher ionized ones revealed by XRISM, we can study all absorbers comprehensively. XMM/EPIC and NuSTAR determine the spectopose a 120 ks XMM-NuSTAR ToO observation of the next outburst of an AMSP to measure the pulsar ephemeris and fold simultaneous IXPE d NGC 3516 at a high flux level to be able to carry out the first high resolution X-ray and UV spectroscopy of its winds during the changing-look state. The proposed observations would enable us to ascertain the role of winds in the transformation of Nandidates to observe a transition. Enlarging the number of transitional ms pulsars is crucial to test binary evolution theories, and to study the disk-field interaction over a large range of mass accretion rates.

Proposal Number: 92309
PI Last Name: Kaastra
Title: Through darkness and light: the many faces of the outflows in NGC 3783
Abstract: Various types of photoionised outflows are observed from AGN. A 200 ks XRISM PV observation is scheduled to study the nature of the outflows in NGC 3783, the best case for this purpose. We propose joint observations of XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, HST, and Swift. XMM/RGS characterises lower ionised absorbers in soft X-rays. In combination with the higher ionized ones revealed by XRISM, we can study all absorbers comprehensively. XMM/EPIC and NuSTAR determine the spectral energy distribution and constrain the continuum. HST accurately measures outflow velocity from UV absorption lines. Swift observations preceding XRISM brings the flux history for photoionisation modelling of the variable absorbers.

Proposal Number: 92317
PI Last Name: Papitto
Title: X-ray pulse waveform from an accreting ms pulsar and the equation of state
Abstract: Modelling of the waveform of the X-ray pulsations of accreting ms pulsars (AMSP) is one of the most promising ways to constrain the equation of state of neutron stars. However, it requires an extremely high number of counts to break the degeneracy between the many parameters that shape the X-ray pulse profiles. The polarimetric information granted by the forthcoming IXPE mission will measure the geometry of the hot spots independently, easing the requirement. We propose a 120 ks XMM-NuSTAR ToO observation of the next outburst of an AMSP to measure the pulsar ephemeris and fold simultaneous IXPE data, model the broadband spectrum, and derive a high statistics energy-resolved pulse profile. The proposed observation will measure the mass and the radius with an accuracy of a few per cent.

Proposal Number: 92331
PI Last Name: Mehdipour
Title: Catching changing-look NGC 3516 at a bright flux to establish the role of winds
Abstract: NGC 3516 is a remarkable Seyfert-1 galaxy, which over the last decade has undergone major spectral transformations, classifying it as a changing-look AGN. Understanding the nature and origin of spectral variability in such changing-look AGN would provide key insights into the accretion-outflow mechanism. Swift monitoring of NGC 3516 shows dramatic flux rises and declines during its changing-look state. We propose ToO observations with XMM, NuSTAR, and HST, triggered using Swift monitoring, to catch NGC 3516 at a high flux level to be able to carry out the first high resolution X-ray and UV spectroscopy of its winds during the changing-look state. The proposed observations would enable us to ascertain the role of winds in the transformation of NGC 3516.

Proposal Number: 92346
PI Last Name: Zanon
Title: Hunting for transitional millisecond pulsars with XMM-Newton, NuSTAR and VLA
Abstract: The XMM discovery of a ms pulsar swinging between an accretion-powered (X-ray) and a rotation-powered (radio) pulsar state demonstrated that transitions between the two states can be observed over timescales of a few weeks. We propose an XMM, NuSTAR and VLA ToO observation aimed at studying the accretion state of transitional ms pulsars, detecting X-ray accretion powered pulsations, and characterizing the X-ray variability over three decades in energy. Candidates are restricted to black widows and redbacks, systems that are in an evolutionary phase that makes them good candidates to observe a transition. Enlarging the number of transitional ms pulsars is crucial to test binary evolution theories, and to study the disk-field interaction over a large range of mass accretion rates.

Proposal Number: 92410
PI Last Name: Kara
Title: Mapping the evolving gas flows in the AGN Mrk 817 with XMM-Newton and HST
Abstract: Knowledge of the structure and kinematics of gas around supermassive black holes is vital to understanding accretion and thus AGN feedback. To this end, we, the AGN STORM 2 team, have conducted the largest multi-mission and multi-wavelength campaign of an AGN to date. This includes a Large 198-orbit Hubble Space Telescope Program, an XMM-Newton Program (AO20), a Swift Key Project, and monitoring with NICER and optical ground based facilities. The prime AGN STORM 2 campaign (from Dec 2020-Feb 2022) revealed a wealth of information on the structure of the broad-emission-line regions (BLR), accretion disk, and new, unexpected obscuring outflows visible in X-ray and far-UV spectra. The success of this campaign has led to the extension of the Swift, HST and groundbased campaigns, all of which are ongoing. Here, we request to also extend the XMM-Newton+NuSTAR campaign, with one 120 ks orbit during AO22, and potentially a 120 ks ToO observation (accompanied with pre-approved HST COS ToO) if the AGN enters an unobscured state. AGN STORM 2 is only the 2nd 200-orbit HST reverberation campaign in its 30 years mission lifetime, and will be challenging to replicate once HST enters reduced gyro mode in a few years.

Proposal Number: 92416
PI Last Name: Kara
Title: The many scales of feedback in AGN NGC 1365 with XRISM, XMM-Newton & NuSTAR
Abstract: XRISM is set to observe NGC 1365 twice during the initial Performance Verification Phase, for a total of 250 ks. Here we request two simultaneous XMM-Newton (2x120 ks) and NuSTAR (2x60 ks) observations that will greatly enhance the science output of these observations. While XRISM will probe the ionized wind with unprecedented en- ergy resolution, with the addition of XMM-Newton, we can probe the variability of that outflow on short timescales. Moreover, XMM-Newton will enable simultaneous measurements of the broad iron line and potential reverberation lags, allowing us to understand how the inner accretion flow and highly ionized outflows interact. One of XMM- Newton's legacies has been to reveal time variability and lags that help us understand gas flows around the black hole. On the other hand, XRISM's legacy will be to use high-resolution spectroscopy at hard X-rays to reach the same goal. These proposed simultaneous XRISM+XMM observations of NGC 1365-a highly variable AGN that also is rich in spectral features-will allow us to calibrate our spectral and timing constraints of AGN accretion.

Proposal Number: 92428
PI Last Name: Rogantini
Title: Decoding AGN outflows: a deep multi-wavelength study of Mrk 766
Abstract: AGN outflows impact the evolution of supermassive black holes, host galaxies. Using an ambitious multi-wavelength campaign on Mrk766, we propose to achieve a new level of physical understanding for these enigmatic winds by studying the extra-deep RGS spectrum and the variability of the EPIC-pn data. Through monitoring of the ionised absorbers using our new time-dependent photoionisation model TPHO, we will unambiguously determine the density, location and geometry of the different outflow components. These unprecedented constraints allow us to estimate the effect of AGN outflows on their environment by measuring their mass flux and kinetic luminosity. We propose a joint XMM (600 ks) and NuSTAR (300 ks) mapping campaign of the well-known and highly variable Mrk766.

Accepted NuSTAR Programs through XMM-Newton Cycle 23

Proposal number: 94084
PI last name: Margutti
Title: XMM-NuSTAR observations of the most Extreme Mass Loss events from Massive Stars
Abstract: Contrary to expectations from current stellar evolutionary models, recent observations uncovered the ejection of shells of material by massive stars in the years before the supernova (SN) explosion. The physical mechanism behind the impulsive mass ejection synchronized with the stellar core-collapse is unclear. Building on our recent success with SN2023ixf, here we propose a coordinated XMM-NuSTAR effort to map the evolution of the broad-band X-ray spectrum of 1 nearby (d< 50 Mpc) or X-ray bright (Fx>3 x 10^-13 erg/s/cm2) strongly interacting SN and enable progress. Our program has the immediate goal to characterize the medium around strongly interacting SNe, which originate from stellar progenitors with the most extreme mass loss before explosion.

Proposal number: 94134
PI last name: Kara
Title: Mapping the evolving gas flows in the AGN Mrk 817 with XMM-Newton and HST
Abstract: The AGN STORM 2 Team has conducted the largest, cadenced multi-wavelength campaign of an AGN to date. This includes a Large HST Program, a Large XMM Program (AO20), a Swift Key Project, NICER and ground based monitoring. The campaign (which started in Dec 2020) has revealed a wealth of information on the structure and dynamics the AGN, including an unexpected obscuring outflows visible in X-ray and far-UV spectra. The success of this campaign has led to the continuation of the campaign. Now, we appear to be entering a new phase, where the obscuration from the outflow is diminishing. Here, we request to also extend the XMM-Newton+NuSTAR campaign, with one 120 ks ToO observation to catch the AGN in a new, truly unobscured state. This observation would take place with a pre-approved HST observation.

Proposal number: 94209
PI last name: Nowak
Title: Searching for a Wind in the Bright State of 4U1957+11
Abstract: How does a black hole transit from a jet-producing system in a spectrally hard state to a soft state? Under what conditions does this state produce winds, and when can we observe these winds? Are wind launching mechanisms dominated by radiative, thermal, or magnetic driving? Seeking answers to these questions, we propose a triggered XMM/NuSTAR observation of the persistently bright LMXB 4U1957+11, which is hypothesized to harbor a near-maximally spinning black viewed close to edge-on. It has been observed with high resolution X-ray spectroscopic instruments in low flux/minimal hard tail states. We will use MAXI monitoring to target a bright soft state with a significant non-disk contribution, potentially indicative of an outflowing corona/wind, and search for spectroscopic signatures of a wind.

Proposal number: 94218
PI last name: Brightman
Title: Hunting for the wind features in NGC 4045 ULX with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR
Abstract: Observations of a newly discovered hyperluminous X-ray source in the galaxy NGC 4045 at a distance of 32 Mpc have revealed an absorption line at E=8.56 keV detected with a significance of > 3.3 sigma. The origin of the absorption line appears likely to be by highly ionized iron with a blue shift of 0.2c, indicating an ultrafast outflow. However, the large equivalent width of the line, EW=-0.22 keV, requires extreme wind parameters. An alternative explanation is that the line is due to a cyclotron resonance scattering feature, produced by the interaction of X-ray photons with the powerful magnetic field of a neutron star. The goal of this proposal is to detect the additional wind features, such as a P-Cygni line profile, with a target of opportunity observation with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR. 61002002|94268|Neilsen|Joey|The Variable Optical-X-ray SED of M87|On behalf of the EHT's Multiwavelength (MWL) Working Group, we propose a joint campaign on M87: 100 ks XMM, 4 orbits Hubble, and 100 ks NuSTAR. These observations will improve constraints on (1) the SED of M87 and its particle acceleration processes, as well as (2) the variability of the famous jet across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Proposal number: 94302
PI last name: Mehdipour
Title: Probing the long-term evolution of obscuring winds and their impact in NGC 5548
Abstract: The link between obscuration and outflows in AGN was first discovered in NGC 5548. This archetypal Sy-1 galaxy underwent major changes due to obscuring winds from the accretion disk. These remarkable winds, captured by joint X-ray/UV spectroscopy, have significant impact on their environment. Swift monitoring shows that over the last 10 years the obscuration in NGC 5548 has gradually declined. This presents a valuable opportunity for analyses that have not been feasible before due to too much obscuration. The lowered obscuration facilitates high-resolution RGS spectroscopy of the outflow to ascertain its evolution. We need to constrain the intrinsic continuum with NuSTAR and EPIC+OM, and the UV outflow with HST/COS. We request joint XMM (180 ks), NuSTAR (70 ks), and HST (2 orbits) spectra.

Proposal number: 94331
PI last name: Foustoul
Title: Validating close binary supermassive black hole candidates
Abstract: Detection of sub-parsec separation massive black hole binaries (MBBHs) remain elusive. Following the search for sub-pc MBBH in long-term optical data, we have found 34 excellent candidates. They are expected to be formed from galaxy mergers and therefore have considerable gas reservoir for accretion. We propose joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of three of these MBBH candidates to search for the expected X-ray emission and understand the nature of the accretion occurring. These observations will provide further evidence for the massive black hole binarity and allow us to probe the accretion state and help us understand the link between mergers and AGN. This will allow us to explore the importance of mergers in the formation and evolution of supermassive black holes.

Proposal number: 94365
PI last name: Braito
Title: Monitoring the unprecedented disk wind in MCG-03-58-007
Abstract: We propose a new intense monitoring campaign consisting of 12x60 ksec XMM-Newton observations coordinated with 6 x 40 ksec NuSTAR exposures of MCG -03- 58-007, which is a powerful and extremely variable disk wind. Past X-ray observations of this remarkable wind revealed a dramatic and fast variability of the velocity of the disk wind, which dropped from v/c~-0.2 to v/c~-0.074 in just 16 days. Such variability is at odds with other disk winds and challenging for current models, and therefore it deserves a further investigation. With the new observations we will: (i) confirm the velocity variations and their timescales, (ii) probe the presence of multiple velocity components and (iii) investigate the wind acceleration mechanism.

Proposal number: 94376
PI last name: Barnier
Title: ToO : Comparing the early rise and decay phases of X-ray binaries outbursts
Abstract: Recent studies suggest different behaviours between the rising and decaying hard states of black hole X-ray binaries outbursts. However the nature of this change eludes us, mainly due to a lack of data. We propose a ToO monitoring of a future outburst of a known BH XrB composed of 10 XMM/NuSTAR simultaneous observations, 10 ks/obs for XMM + 20 ks/obs NuSTAR (total of 100ks XMM and 200ks NuSTAR) to catch the early rising (5 observations) and decaying phases (5 observations) in the same hard X-ray flux range. The trigger conditions will be based on the "X-ray Binary New Early Warning System" in optical, anticipating X-ray outbursts by a few days/weeks. Quasi-simultaneous ATCA and MeerKAT observations are planned.

Proposal number: 94394
PI last name: Paliya
Title: 3C 17: first g-ray detected radio galaxy hosting a narrow-line Seyfert 1 nucleus
Abstract: We request to observe 3C 17, the first gamma-ray detected radio galaxy hosting a narrow-line Seyfert 1 nucleus, jointly with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR for 100 ksec and 40 ksec, respectively. The detection of the bent radio jet morphology and hot X-ray emitting ICM surrounding this enigmatic object makes it the top priority target. We will estimate the physical properties of the jet by means of numerical SED modeling and will derive spectral parameters of the cluster medium, e.g., temperature, surrounding 3C 17, and look for sub-structures, e.g., X-ray cavities, in comparison with the detected radio structures.

Proposal number: 94484
PI last name: Parra
Title: Tracking the Wind of a Black Hole Low-Mass X-ray Binary in Spectral Transition
Abstract: Winds in low mass X-ray binaries (LMXB) might carry away a significant amount of matter and are thus able to regulate the evolution of these systems. To make a decisive breakthrough in our understanding of these winds, we propose a Large Program of 10-day XMM-NuSTAR consecutive monitoring (30 ks/day XMM, 20 ks/day NuSTAR), triggered by Optical and X-ray alerts, of a high-inclination Black Hole LMXB during the Hard-to-Soft transition. This will allow us to simultaneously and accurately determine the X-ray broadband spectral shape and detect the wind absorption lines. These are key ingredients to put firm constraints, both on the evolution of the wind physical properties with the accretion state and its possible association with the jet (thanks to proprietary simultaneous IR/radio observations).