Physical constraints on the sizes of dense clouds in the central magnetospheres of Active Galactic Nuclei

Details Physical constraints on the sizes of dense clouds in the central magnetospheres of Active Galactic Nuclei Physical constraints on the sizes of dense clouds in the central magnetospheres of Active Galactic Nuclei

1996-08-16

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9608104v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

9 pages, LaTeX type, 2 postscript figures, uses rotate.sty and epsf.sty, accepted for publication in MNRAS

Scientific paper

The range of microphysical and global dynamical timescales in the central regions of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) is sufficiently wide to permit the existence of multiphase structure. In particular, very dense, cool clouds can coexist with a hot, magnetically-dominated medium and can thereby efficiently reprocess the continuum radiation generated in this primary source region. The strong dynamical forces in this central magnetosphere can give rise to extremely small clouds. Microphysical processes then determine whether such clouds can indeed survive, in spite of their extremely contrasting properties relative to the surrounding environment, for long enough to produce potentially observable thermal reprocessing signatures. We examine specific physical constraints on the thicknesses of such reprocessing clouds. Our results are plotted to show the range of conditions that is representative of the central regions of AGN. We find a parameter subspace in the extreme high density regime for which the effects of microphysical diffusion processes can be overcome and for which cool gas can maintain pressure equilibrium with the ambient magnetosphere.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Physical constraints on the sizes of dense clouds in the central magnetospheres of Active Galactic Nuclei does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Physical constraints on the sizes of dense clouds in the central magnetospheres of Active Galactic Nuclei, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Physical constraints on the sizes of dense clouds in the central magnetospheres of Active Galactic Nuclei will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-306530