Chandra HETG Observations of the Seyfert 2 galaxy Circinus

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

We present results from a Chandra HETG observation of the nearby (z=0.0014) Seyfert 2 galaxy Circinus. The source was observed for 60 ks on June 16, 2000, as part of the GTO program at PSU. The zeroth order image is spatially complex, with a bright nucleus and several point sources within ~ 1 kpc (50 arcsec), at least four of which are within ~ 6 arcsec from the nucleus. The point sources account for ~ 40% of the total X-ray emission from 0.2-8 keV. Their intrinsic 0.2-8 keV luminosities are in the range 1038}-10{39 erg/s suggesting that they may be X-ray binaries. Diffuse soft X-ray emission around the nucleus is also detected, elongated in a N-W direction. Its intrinsic 0.2-8 keV luminosity is ~ 8x1039 erg/s, at the low end of the distribution previously measured for Seyfert galaxies with ROSAT. The HETG spectrum of the nucleus is entirely dominated by a host of emission lines. The brightest line is the "neutral" 6.4 keV Fe Kalpha line, which appears unresolved at the HEG resolution, accompanied by the Fe Kbeta line at 7.08 keV. The soft X-ray lines are mostly due to ionized species, with all the H- and He-like lines of Mg, Si, S, and Ar being detected. No lines of neutral elements at softer energies are detected, contrary to previous claims based on ASCA and SAX data. We will discuss the origin of the lines and the physical and dynamical conditions of the emitting gas using specific ionization models. RMS acknowledges support from NASA contract NAS-38252 and NASA grant NAG5-7925.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Chandra HETG Observations of the Seyfert 2 galaxy Circinus 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 Chandra HETG Observations of the Seyfert 2 galaxy Circinus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Chandra HETG Observations of the Seyfert 2 galaxy Circinus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-869862

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.