XMM-Newton observation of the Seyfert 1 galaxy Fairall 9

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

28

Galaxies: Individual: Fairall 9, Galaxies: Nuclei, Galaxies: Seyfert

Scientific paper

We report an X-ray observation of the Fairall 9 Seyfert 1 galaxy performed in July 2000 with the EPIC cameras and Reflection Grating Spectrometers (RGS) on board the XMM-Newton observatory. Above 2 keV, the high signal to noise ratio of the EPIC spectra shows an emission line at 6.38+/-0.03 keV with a measured equivalent width of 120 eV. An absorption edge is also detected at 7.64+0.21-0.36 in the source rest frame that has not been reported before. Spectral fitting of the measured spectra with reflection models indicates that these imprinted features are likely the result of partial reprocessing of a primary X-ray continuum by optically thick material. The positions in energy of the emission line and absorption edge are consistent with Compton reflection models from material containing iron in states of ionization lower than FeXVII. The Fe K emission line is narrow suggesting that the reflection process arises from material relatively far from a putative central black hole. The best fit models show that the reflected spectrum mask a steeper intrinsic power law slope even at energies lower than 5 keV. The extrapolation of this primary continuum to energies lower than 2 keV reveals the presence of a soft excess component contributing to 14+/-6% of the overall flux in the 0.3-1.0 keV energy range. No evidence is found for a warm absorber in this low energy part of the spectrum. The analysis results are discussed within the frame of recent accretion disc models in which X-rays from the primary continuum source heat up the upper layers of the disc thus creating very hot, optically thin plasmas on top of cooler denser material.

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

XMM-Newton observation of the Seyfert 1 galaxy Fairall 9 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 XMM-Newton observation of the Seyfert 1 galaxy Fairall 9, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and XMM-Newton observation of the Seyfert 1 galaxy Fairall 9 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1773034

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