Black Hole Spin in AGN and GBHCs

Details Black Hole Spin in AGN and GBHCs Black Hole Spin in AGN and GBHCs

2004-10-05

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0410116v1

Astrophys.Space Sci. 300 (2005) 71-79

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

10 pages, 3 postscript figures. To appear in the proceedings of "From X-ray Binaries to Quasars: Black Hole Accretion on All M

Scientific paper

10.1007/s10509-005-1175-x

We discuss constraints on black hole spin and spin-related astrophysics as derived from X-ray spectroscopy. After a brief discussion about the robustness with which X-ray spectroscopy can be used to probe strong gravity, we summarize how these techniques can constrain black hole spin. In particular, we highlight XMM-Newton studies of the Seyfert galaxy MCG-6-30-15 and the stellar-mass black hole GX339-4. The broad X-ray iron line profile, together with reasonable and general astrophysical assumptions, allow a non-rotating black hole to be rejected in both of these sources. If we make the stronger assertion of no emission from within the innermost stable circular orbit, the MCG-6-30-15 data constrain the dimensionless spin parameter to be a>0.93. Furthermore, these XMM-Newton data are already providing evidence for exotic spin-related astrophysics in the central regions of this object. We conclude with a discussion of the impact that Constellation-X will have on the study of strong gravity and black hole spin.

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