RXTE observations of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 5506: evidence for reflection from disk and torus

Abstract

We report on observations of the narrow line Seyfert galaxy NGC 5506 with the Rossi X-ray TIming Explorer. The observations cover a time interval of ~1000 days during which the source showed strong flux and spectral variability. The spectrum clearly shows iron fluorescence emission at 6.4 keV and significant reflection features. Both the equivalent width of the iron line and the relative strength of the reflected continuum are higher during low flux states. The variability of the reflection features can be explained by the presence of two reflected components: one that responds rapidly to flux changes of the primary continuum and a second, slowly variable, component originating from a distant reflector, e.g. a molecular torus.