O VIII Recombination Features in the X-ray Spectra of Seyfert 2 Galaxies.

We propose deep XMM EPIC observations of the Seyfert 2 galaxies NGC 4507 and Mrk 348. Our primary objective is to test the hypothesis that the soft excess observed in the Xray spectra of these heavily obscured AGN is due to electron scattering of the nuclear continuum. Our approach is to use the recombination continua of OVIII and other hydrogenic ions produced in the hot photoionized scattering medium as a diagnostic of the electron temperaturein the Xray scattering region. The high signaltonoise EPIC measurementswill also reveal whether Compton reflection makes a significant contribution to the hard Xray spectra of these normal.. Seyfert 2s. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]