A Monte Carlo Study of the 6.4 keV Emission at the Galactic Center

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

11 pages, 4 figures

Scientific paper

10.1086/318906

Strong fluorescent Fe line emission at 6.4 keV has been observed from the Sgr B2 giant molecular cloud located in the Galactic Center region. The large equivalent width of this line and the lack of an apparent illuminating nearby object indicate that a time-dependent source, currently in a low-activity state, is causing the fluorescent emission. It has been suggested that this illuminator is the massive black hole candidate, Sgr A*, whose X-ray luminosity has declined by an unprecedented six orders of magnitude over the past 300 years. We here report the results of our Monte Carlo simulations for producing this line under a variety of source configurations and characteristics. These indicate that the source may in fact be embedded within Sgr B2, although external sources give a slightly better fit to the data. The weakened distinction between the internal and external illuminators is due in part to the instrument response function, which accounts for an enhanced equivalent width of the line by folding some of the continuum radiation in with the intrinsic line intensity. We also point out that although the spectrum may be largely produced by K$\alpha$ emission in cold gas, there is some evidence in the data to suggest the presence of warm (~10^5 K) emitting material near the cold cloud.

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

A Monte Carlo Study of the 6.4 keV Emission at the Galactic Center 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 A Monte Carlo Study of the 6.4 keV Emission at the Galactic Center, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Monte Carlo Study of the 6.4 keV Emission at the Galactic Center will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-433335

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