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arXiv · astro-ph/0112433

X-ray properties of Red Active Galactic Nuclei

Abstract

The Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) is finding previously unidentified, luminous red active galactic nuclei (AGN). This new sample has a space density similar to, or greater than, previously known AGN, suggesting that a large fraction of the overall population has been missed. Chandra observations of a well-defined subset of these objects reveal that all are X-ray faint, with the reddest sources being the faintest in X-rays. The X-ray hardness ratios cover a wide range, generally indicating log NH ~21-23 /cm*2, but the softest sources show no spectral evidence for intrinsic absorption. These characteristics suggest that a mix of absorbed, direct emission and unabsorbed, scattered and/or extended emission contributes to the X-ray flux, although we cannot rule out the possibility that they are intrinsically X-ray weak. This population of X-ray faint, predominantly broad-line objects could provide the missing population of X-ray absorbed AGN required by current models of the cosmic X-ray background. The existence of AGN which display both broad emission lines and absorbed X-rays has important implications for unification schemes and emphasizes the need for care in assigning classifications to individual AGN.

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BibTeXRIS

Belinda J. Wilkes, Gary D. Schmidt, Roc M. Cutri, Himel Ghosh, Dean C. Hines, Brant Nelson, Paul Smith. 2001-12-18. X-ray properties of Red Active Galactic Nuclei. https://doi.org/10.1086/338908

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