Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2006-05-31
Mon.Not.Roy.Astron.Soc.371:263-282,2006
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
accepted for publication in MNRAS
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1365-2966.2006.10641.x
We report results from an XMM-Newton observation of the broad-line radio galaxy 3C109 (z=0.3056). Confirming previous results, an Fe emission line is detected, possibly comprising a broad component. However, the data cannot distinguish between an untruncated accretion disc and a case in which the innermost 20-30 gravitational radii are missing. In fact, a partial-covering plus narrow Fe line scenario is not ruled out statistically. However, the absorber would have to comprise hundreds/thousands very compact clouds close to the X-ray source, which seems rather extreme a requirement. The 2-10 keV intrinsic luminosity of 3C109 is of the order of 2-3x10^45 erg/s which, combined with a recent black hole mass estimate of ~2x10^8 M_sun, implies an Eddington ratio greater than unity. If partial covering is excluded, the observed reflection fraction (of the order of unity), steep photon index (1.86), and Fe line equivalent width (about 100 eV) all suggest to exclude that the X-ray continuum is strongly beamed, indicating that the large Eddington ratio is associated with a radiatively efficient accretion process. We also confirm previous findings on the detection of low energy absorption in excess of the Galactic value. The better quality of the XMM-Newton data enables us to attribute the excess absorption to slightly ionized gas in the line of sight, located at the redshift of 3C109. [abriged]
Allen Steven W.
Ballantyne David R.
Fabian Andrea C.
Miniutti Giovanni
Ross Ronald R.
No associations
LandOfFree
Fe emission and ionized excess absorption in the luminous quasar 3C109 with XMM-Newton 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 Fe emission and ionized excess absorption in the luminous quasar 3C109 with XMM-Newton, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fe emission and ionized excess absorption in the luminous quasar 3C109 with XMM-Newton will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-711596