A Search for Short-Timescale Microvariability in Active Galactic Nuclei in the Ultraviolet

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Galaxies: Active, Galaxies: Individual: Ngc Number: Ngc 6814, Galaxies: Individual: Name: Markarian 205, Galaxies: Individual: Alphanumeric: 3C 249.1, Galaxies: Individual: Alphanumeric: 3C 371, Galaxies: Seyfert, Ultraviolet: Galaxies

Scientific paper

We observed four active galactic nuclei (AGNs) (the type 1 Seyfert systems 3C 249.1, NGC 6814, and Mrk 205, and the BL Lac object 3C 371) using the High Speed Photometer on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to search for short-timescale microvariability in the UV. Continuous observations of ~3000 s duration were obtained for each system on several consecutive HST orbits using a 1 s sample time in a 1400-3000 Å bandpass. No photometric variability greater than 0.3% (0.003 mag) was detected in any AGN on timescales shorter than 1500 s. The distribution of photon arrival times observed from each source was consistent with Poisson statistics. Because of HST optical problems, the limit on photometric variability at longer timescales is less precise. These results restrict the masses of black holes as the central engines of AGNs and the diskoseismic oscillations of any accretion disk around such a black hole.

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 Search for Short-Timescale Microvariability in Active Galactic Nuclei in the Ultraviolet 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 Search for Short-Timescale Microvariability in Active Galactic Nuclei in the Ultraviolet, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Search for Short-Timescale Microvariability in Active Galactic Nuclei in the Ultraviolet will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1180547

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