Sigma observation of two quasars - 3C 273 and 0241 + 62

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

17

Quasars, X Ray Astronomy, X Ray Spectra, Background Radiation, Extragalactic Radio Sources, Spaceborne Astronomy

Scientific paper

Observations of the quasar 3C 273 with the Sigma imaging telescope on board the Granat satellite on four occasions during 1990 for a total exposure time of 62 hr are reported. Comparison of the observations indicates a marginally significant flux variation (3 sigma) of a factor of about 2 on a time scale a short as 41 days. This is the first suggestion of a short time variation at hard X-ray frequencies, and it agrees very well with similar measurements in soft X-rays. The combined data of the first two pointings are well fitted by a power law of photon index of about 1.5 up to about 500 keV with no evidence for a break of steepening in the spectrum. Two sigma upper limits obtained by Sigma at the location of the low-luminosity quasar 0241 + 62 suggest a softer X-ray spectrum for this object. The implications of the Sigma results with respect to astrophysical processes in quasars and their contribution to the cosmic diffuse background are discussed.

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

Sigma observation of two quasars - 3C 273 and 0241 + 62 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 Sigma observation of two quasars - 3C 273 and 0241 + 62, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Sigma observation of two quasars - 3C 273 and 0241 + 62 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1765852

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