X-Ray Spectral Variability of PKS 2005-489 During the Spectacular November 1998 Flare

Details X-Ray Spectral Variability of PKS 2005-489 During the Spectacular November 1998 Flare X-Ray Spectral Variability of PKS 2005-489 During the Spectacular November 1998 Flare

1999-06-22

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9906351v3

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

ApJ Letters in press, 6 pages, 2 figures Corrected references

Scientific paper

10.1086/312260

We report on monitoring of the BL Lac object PKS 2005-489 by the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) in October-December 1998. During these months, the source underwent a spectacular flare; at its peak on November 10, its 2-10 keV flux was $3.33 \times 10^{-10} {\rm ~erg ~cm^{-2} ~s^{-1}}$, over 30 times brighter than in quiescence. During the rising phase, the X-ray spectrum of PKS 2005-489 hardened considerably, reaching $\alpha = 1.32~ (F_\nu \propto \nu^{-\alpha})$ near maximum. During the declining phase, the X-ray spectrum steepened rapidly, reaching $\alpha = 1.82$, then became somewhat harder towards the end of December ($\alpha \sim 1.6$). While such behavior has been seen before, the simplicity, magnitude and duration of this flare allowed us to study it in great detail. We argue that this flare was caused by either the injection of particles into the jet or {\it in situ} particle acceleration, and that the spectral steepening which followed the flare maximum was the result of synchrotron cooling. Contrary to other recently observed blazar flares (e.g., Mkn 501, 3C 279, PKS 2155-304), our results do not imply a major shift in the location of the synchrotron peak during this flare.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

X-Ray Spectral Variability of PKS 2005-489 During the Spectacular November 1998 Flare 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 X-Ray Spectral Variability of PKS 2005-489 During the Spectacular November 1998 Flare, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and X-Ray Spectral Variability of PKS 2005-489 During the Spectacular November 1998 Flare will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-386310