ar X iv : a st ro - p h / 03 05 30 9 v 1 1 6 M ay 2 00 3 XMM - Newton Observations of Two BAL QSOs : Q 1246 - 057 and SBS

We report on the results of XMM-Newton observations of two Broad Absorption Line Quasars (BAL QSOs), Q1246-057 and SBS 1542+541. Unprecedented sensitivity of XMM allows spectral analysis of these X-ray weak sources. The X-ray spectral data of these sources can be fitted by a power-law with αX=1.0-1.2 and either a partially covering absorber or an ionized absorber model. Rest frame UV spectroscopy together with polarimetry favors the model with a partially covering absorber with column density a few times 10cmand a covering fraction of about 0.80. After correcting for absorption, the X-ray loudness of these BAL QSOs appears to be similar to other, unabsorbed quasars. The mystery of X-ray weakness of BAL QSOs appears to be all but solved, with strong absorption being the primary reason. With the available X-ray data, however, the issue of whether BAL QSOs represent highly accreting/ younger population of quasars remains unsettled. Subject headings: galaxies: active quasars:general quasars: individual (Q1246–057, SBS 1542+541)