arXiv subjects

T. J. Turner

Publications and source records attributed to T. J. Turner.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

arXiv1999

The properties of the relativistic iron K-line in NGC 3516

We present an analysis of the relativistic iron K-alpha line in the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 3516, based on a continuous, five-day ASCA observation. The broad profile which has been found in several other AGN is confirmed in NGC 3516 with unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio. Disk-line models with either a Kerr or Schwarzschild metric fit the integrated profile, but both require emission very strongly concentrated in the inner disk. We find tentative evidence for the line signatures of Ni K-alpha and/or Fe K-beta. The continuum flux varied by \~50 per cent during the observation and time-resolved analysis shows that the line also changes. The line core seems to follow the continuum, but the blue wing is unrelated and shows a greater amplitude (factor ~2) of variability. The red wing is formally consistent with a constant but appears to be correlated with the blue wing. We interpret this as evidence for independent variability of the broadest parts of the line. There also appears to be an absorption feature in the profile, consistent with resonance scattering in infalling material. This variable feature may be the signature of material being accreted by the central black hole.

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arXiv1999

Akn 564: an unusual component in the X-ray spectra of NLSy1 galaxies

We present an ASCA observation of the NLSy1 Ark 564. The X-ray light curve shows rapid variability, but no evidence for energy-dependence to these variations, within the 0.6 -- 10 keV bandpass. A strong (EW ~ 70 eV) spectral feature is observed close to 1 keV. A similar feature has been observed in TON S180 (another NLSy1) but has not been observed in broad-line Seyfert galaxies. The feature energy suggests a large contribution from Fe L-shell lines but its intensity is difficult to explain in terms of emission and/or absorption from photoionized gas. Models based on gas in thermal equilibrium with kT ~1 keV provide an alternative parameterization of the soft spectrum. The latter may be interpreted as the hot intercloud medium, undergoing rapid cooling and producing strong Fe L-shell recombination lines. In all cases the physical conditions are rather different from those observed in broad-line Seyferts. The hard X-ray spectrum shows a broad and asymmetric Fe Kalpha line of large equivalent width (~550 eV) which can be explained by a neutral disk viewed at ~ 60 degrees to the line-of-sight, contrary to the hypothesis that NLSy1s are viewed pole-on. The large EW of this line, the strong 1 keV emission and the strong optical Fe emission lines all suggest an extreme Fe abundance in this and perhaps other NLSy1s.

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arXiv1999

On X-ray Variability in Seyfert Galaxies

This paper presents a quantification of the X-ray variability amplitude for 79 ASCA observations of 36 Seyfert 1 galaxies. We find that consideration of sources with the narrowest permitted lines in the optical band introduces scatter into the established correlation between X-ray variability and nuclear luminosity. Consideration of the X-ray spectral index and variability properties together shows distinct groupings in parameter space for broad and narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies, confirming previous studies. A strong correlation is found between hard X-ray variability and FWHM Hbeta. A range of nuclear mass and accretion rate across the Seyfert population can explain the differences observed in X-ray and optical properties. An attractive alternative model, which does not depend on any systematic difference in central mass, is that the circumnuclear gas of NLSy1s is different to BLSy1s in temperature, optical depth, density or geometry.

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arXiv1999

Are There Any Type 2 QSOs? The Case of AXJ0341.4-4453

The X-ray source AXJ0341.4-4453 was described by Boyle et al. as a Type 2 AGN at z = 0.672 based on the absence of broad emission lines in the observed wavelength range 4000-7000 Angstroms. We obtained a new spectrum of AXJ0341.4-4453 extending to 9600 Angstroms which reveals broad Balmer lines and other characteristics of Seyfert 1 galaxies. The FWHM of broad H-beta is at least 1600 km/s, while [O III]5007 has FWHM = 730 km/s. The flux ratio [O III]5007/H-beta = 1. Thus, AXJ0341.4-4453 is by definition a narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy, or perhaps a moderately reddened Seyfert 1 galaxy, but it is not a Type 2 QSO. Although examples of the latter have long been sought, particularly in connection with the problem of the X-ray background, there is still virtually no evidence for the existence of any Type 2 QSO among X-ray selected samples.

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arXiv1999

The Effect of Intrinsic UV Absorbers on the Ionizing Continuum and Narrow Emission Line Ratios in Seyfert Galaxies

We explore the effects of UV absorbing material on the shape of the EUV continuum radiation emitted by the active galactic nucleus, and on the relative strengths of emission lines, formed in the narrow line regions of Seyfert galaxies, excited by this continuum. Within a sample of Seyfert 1.5 galaxies, objects with flatter soft X-ray slopes tend to have lower values of He II 4686/H-beta, which implies a correlation between the observed spectral energy distribution of the ionizing continuum and the narrow emission line strengths. Objects with the flattest soft X-ray continua tend to possess high column density UV absorption and it is plausible that the differences in narrow emission line ratios among these galaxies are an indication of the effects of absorbing material internal to the narrow line region, rather than intrinsic differences in continuum shape. We have generated a set of photoionization models to examine the effect of a range of UV absorbers on the ionizing continuum and, hence, the resulting conditions in a typical narrow line cloud. Our results indicate that a low ionization UV absorber with large covering factor will indeed produce the combination of narrow line ratios and soft X-ray spectral characteristics observed in several Seyfert 1.5 galaxies. Our results also suggest that low ionization UV absorption may be more common than currently believed.

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arXiv1998

X-ray Observations of Mrk 231

This paper presents new X-ray observations of Mrk 231, an active galaxy of particular interest due to its large infrared luminosity and the presence of several blueshifted broad absorption line (BAL) systems, a phenomenon observed in a small fraction of QSOs. A ROSAT HRI image of Mrk 231 is presented, this shows an extended region of soft X-ray emission, covering several tens of kpc, consistent with the extent of the host galaxy. An ASCA observation of Mrk 231 is also presented. Hard X-rays are detected but the data show no significant variability in X-ray flux. The hard X-ray continuum is heavily attenuated and X-ray column estimates range from ~ 2 x 10^{22} - 10^{23} cm^{-2} depending on whether the material is assumed to be neutral or ionized, and on the model assumed for the extended X-ray component. These ASCA data provide only the second hard X-ray spectrum of a BAL AGN presented to date. The broad-band spectral-energy-distribution of the source is discussed. While Mrk 231 is X-ray weak compared to Seyfert 1 galaxies, it has an optical-to-X-ray spectrum typical of a QSO.

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arXiv1998

A Peculiar Emission Line Feature in the X-ray Spectrum of the Quasar PKS 0637-752

We report the results from an ASCA observation of the high-luminosity, radio-loud quasar PKS 0637-752 (redshift 0.654), covering the 0.8-15 keV band in the quasar-frame. We find the source to have a luminosity ~10^46 erg/s in the 2-10 keV band, a factor of ~3 lower than during a previous GINGA observation. The continuum appears to be well modeled by a simple power-law with a photon index of 1.64 +/- 0.07, with no evidence for absorption by material intrinsic to the quasar, or Fe-K emission (with an equivalent width < 80 eV at 90% confidence). However we do find evidence for a narrow emission line at an energy 1.60 +/- 0.07 keV and equivalent width 59 [+38,-34] eV (both in the quasar frame). Line emission at these energies has not been observed in any other active galaxy or quasar to date. We reject the possibility that this line is the result of instrumental artifacts, and briefly explore possible identifications.

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arXiv1998

X-ray Observations of the Seyfert galaxy LB 1727 (1H 0419-577)

We discuss the properties of the Seyfert 1.5 galaxy LB 1727, also known as 1H 0419-577, from X-ray observations obtained by ASCA and ROSAT along with optical observations from earlier epochs. ASCA shows only modest (< 20%) variations in X-ray flux within or between the observations. In contrast, a daily monitoring campaign over 1996 Jun - Sept by the ROSAT HRI instrument reveals the soft X-ray (0.1-2 keV) flux to have increased by a factor ~3. The 2 - 10 keV continuum can be parameterized as a power-law with a photon index Gamma ~ 1.45-1.68 across ~0.7 - 11 keV in the rest-frame. We also report the first detection of iron Kalpha line emission in this source. Simultaneous ASCA and ROSAT data show the X-ray spectrum to steepen sharply at a rest-energy \~0.75 keV, the spectrum below this energy can be parameterized as a power-law of slope Gamma ~3.6. We show that LB 1727 is one of the few Seyferts for which we can rule out the possibility that the presence of a warm absorber is solely responsible for the spectral steepening in the soft X-ray regime. Consideration of the overall spectral-energy-distribution for this source indicates the presence of a pronounced XUV-bump visible in optical, ultraviolet and soft X-ray data.

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arXiv1998

X-ray Signatures of an Ionized Reprocessor in the Seyfert galaxy Ton S 180

We discuss the hard X-ray properties of the Seyfert galaxy Ton S 180, based upon the analysis of ASCA data. We find the X-ray flux varied by a factor ~2 on a time scale of a few thousand seconds. The source showed significantly higher amplitude of variability in the 0.5-2 keV band than in the 2-10 keV band. The continuum is adequately parameterized as a Gamma ~ 2.5 power-law across the 0.6--10 keV band . We confirm the recent discovery of an emission line of high equivalent width, due to Fe K-shell emission from highly-ionized material. These ASCA data show the Fe line profile to be broad and asymmetric and tentatively suggest it is stronger during the X-ray flares, consistent with an origin from the inner parts of an accretion disk. The X-ray spectrum is complex below 2 keV, possibly due to emission from a blend of soft X-ray lines, which would support the existence of an ionized reprocessor, most likely due to a relatively high accretion rate in this source.

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arXiv1998

The X-ray Spectral Variability of the Seyfert Galaxy NGC 3227

(Abridged) We present the results from {\it ASCA} observations of NGC 3227 along with those from a {\it ROSAT} observation. The 0.6--10 keV continuum is consistent with a powerlaw with $Γ\sim 1.6$, flatter than that typically observed in Seyfert galaxies. Fe $K$-shell emission is observed with an EW and profile typical of Seyfert 1 galaxies. The {\it ASCA} observations in 1993 reveal absorption by a screen $N_{H,z}^{ion} \simeq 3\times10^{21} cm^{-2}}$ of ionized material with $U_X \simeq 0.01$. Joint analysis of the {\it ASCA} and {\it ROSAT} data show an additional screen of neutral material instrinsic to NGC 3227 with $N_{H,z}^{neu} \sim $few$\times10^{20} cm^{-2}}$. NGC 3227 exhibits spectral variability both within and between the observations, due to short-term variability in the continuum emission and longer-term variability in the absorption. Time-resolved spectroscopy show the continuum steepened by $ΔΓ\simeq 0.1$ during a flare of duration $\sim 10^4$s. The column increased by a factor of $\sim10$ by the 1995 epoch, while the continuum is consistent with that observed in 1993. The 1995 data also show evidence that the warm absorber allows $\sim$10% of the nuclear emission to escape without attenuation.

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arXiv1998

New constraints on the continuum-emission mechanism of AGN: Intensive monitoring of NGC 7469 in the X-ray and ultraviolet

We have undertaken near-continuous monitoring of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 7469 in the X-ray with RXTE over a ~30d baseline. The source shows strong variability with a root-mean-square (rms) amplitude of ~16 per cent, and peak-to-peak variations of a factor of order 2. Simultaneous data over this period were obtained in the ultraviolet (UV) using IUE, making this the most intensive X-ray UV/X-ray variability campaign performed for any active galaxy. Comparison of the continuum light curves reveals very similar amplitudes of variability, but different variability characteristics, with the X-rays showing much more rapid variations. The data are not strongly correlated at zero lag. The largest absolute value of the correlation coefficient occurs for an anticorrelation between the two bands, with the X-ray variations leading the UV by ~4d. The largest positive correlation is for the ultraviolet to lead the X-rays by ~4d. Neither option appears to be compatible with any simple interband transfer function. The peak positive correlation at ~4d occurs because the more prominent peaks in the UV light curve appear to lead those in the X-rays by this amount. However, the minima of the light curves are near-simultaneous. These observations provide new constraints on theoretical models of the central regions of active galactic nuclei. Models in which the observed UV emission is produced solely by re-radiation of absorber X-rays are ruled out by our data, as are those in which the X-rays are produced solely by Compton upscattering of the observed UV component by a constant distribution of particles.

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arXiv1998

The Soft X-ray Spectrum of Scattering--Dominated AGN

This paper discusses the properties of scattering--dominated active galactic nuclei (AGN). We define these to be AGN for which the direct line-of-sight to the continuum source is obscured by Compton-thick material. The aim is to construct, for the first time, a model consistent with X-ray line luminosities, line ratios and various luminosity indicators. The ASCA spectra of six such sources show several X-ray lines that can be reliably measured, mostly due to highly ionized magnesium, silicon sulphur and iron. These enable us to investigate the physical conditions of the scattering material. The sources show evidence of He-like and H-like iron lines that are likely to be produced in hot (T approx 10^6 K) photoionized gas. By measuring the EW of the lines, and by constructing a diagnostic line-ratio diagram, we demonstrate that the silicon and magnesium lines are produced by the same gas emitting the highly ionized iron lines. The properties of this gas are rather different from the properties of warm absorbers in type I AGN. Neutral 6.4 keV iron lines are also detected, originating in a different component which can be either Compton-thin or Compton-thick. The best measured iron lines suggest an enhancement of n_{Fe}/n_H by a factor approx 2 compared to solar, in both the hot and cool Compton-thin components. We further show that in four of the sources, the Fe Kalpha(6.4keV)/Hbeta (lambda 4861Ang) line ratio is consistent with that predicted for typical narrow line region clouds, and the reddening corrected Hbeta is known, provided the column density is larger than approx 10^{22.5}/cm^2, alpha_{ox} is smaller than 1.3. For some sources, this is a viable alternative to the commonly assumed Compton thick medium as the origin of the 6.4 keV iron line.

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arXiv1998

ASCA Observations of the Ionized Gas in the Seyfert Galaxy NGC 3783

We present the results from ASCA observations of NGC 3783 carried out during 1993 and 1996. Variability is observed both between the two epochs and within the individual observations, the latter due to a non-stationary process. We find the spectra at both epochs to contain features due to absorption by ionized material, predominantly due to Ovii and Oviii. We find the opacity for such material to decrease by a factor approx 2 in the approx 0.7--1.0 keV band between the epochs while the photoionizing flux increases by approx25%. By comparison with detailed photoionization models we show this behaviour is inconsistent with that expected from a single-zone of photoionized gas. A deficit in the data compared to such models, consistent with excess absorption by Oviii, supports the suggestion that the material consists of two or more zones. Significant Fe K-shell emission is also observed during both epochs. We show this emission is dominated by the asymmetric line profile expected from the innermost regions of the accretion flow. We find no evidence that the Fe emission varied in either shape or equivalent width between the two epochs.

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arXiv1997

ASCA observations of type-2 Seyfert Galaxies. III. Orientation and X-ray Absorption

We discuss the spectral properties of a sample of type-2 Seyfert galaxies based upon the analysis of \asca data. In this paper we consider the sources for which the X-ray spectra appear to be dominated by the nuclear continuum, transmitted through a large column of absorbing material. We find that both Seyfert-2 galaxies and NELGs show iron K$α$ line profiles indicative of reprocessing of nuclear X-rays in a face-on accretion disk. Such line profiles are also observed in Seyfert-1 galaxies. This result is contrary to unification models, which would predict the inner regions of Seyfert-2 galaxies to be observed edge-on. This raises some questions as to the orientation of the circumnuclear absorber. If the observed differences between Seyfert type-1 and type-2 galaxies, and NELGs are not due to differences in the orientation of the absorbing material, then we suggest that differences in dust composition and grain size, and in the density of the circumnuclear gas could be of primary importance.

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arXiv1997

ASCA Observations of Seyfert 1 galaxies: III. The Evidence for Absorption & Emission due to Photoionized Gas

(Abridged) We present the results from a detailed analysis of the 0.6 - 10 keV spectra of 23 ASCA observations of 18 objects. We find that in most cases the underlying continuum can be well-represented by a powerlaw with a photon index Gamma approx 2. However we find strong evidence for photoionized gas in the line-of-sight to 13/18 objects. We present detailed modelling of this gas based upon the ION photoionization code. We find the X-ray ionization parameter for the ionized material is strongly peaked at Ux approx 0.1. The column densities of ionized material are typically in the range N_{H,z} approx 10^{21}--10^{23} cm^{-2}, although highly ionized column densities up to 10^{24} cm^{-2} cannot be excluded in some cases. We also investigate the importance of the emission-spectrum from the ionized gas, finding that it significantly improves the fit to many sources with an intensity consistent with material subtending a large solid angle at the central source. A deficit of counts is observed at approx 1 keV in the sources exhibiting the strongest absorption features. We suggest this is likely to be the signature of a second zone of (more highly) ionized gas, which might have been seen previously in the deep Fe K-shell edges observed in some Ginga observations. We find evidence that the ionized material in NGC 3227 and MCG-6-30-15 contains embedded dust, whilst there is no such evidence in the other sources

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arXiv1997

Evidence for Absorption due to Highly-Ionized Gas in the Radio-quiet Quasar PG 1114+445

We present results on the X-ray spectrum of the quasar PG 1114+445 from an ASCA observation performed in 1996 June, and a ROSAT observation performed 3 years earlier. We show good agreement between all the datasets can be obtained if the underlying continuum in the 0.2--10 keV band is assumed to be a powerlaw (photon index Gamma approx 1.8) absorbed by photoionized material. The ionized gas imprints deep absorption edges in the observed spectrum <~ 2 keV due to Ovii and Oviii, from which we determine its column density (approx 2E22 cm^{-2}) and ionization parameter (Ux approx 0.1) to be similar to that observed in Seyfert-I galaxies. Unfortunately these data do not allow any strong constraints to be placed on the location, or solid angle subtended by the material at the ionizing source. We also find evidence for absorption in the Fe K-shell band in excess of that predicted from the lower energy features. This implies an Fe/O abundance ratio approx 10 times the cosmic value, or an additional screen of more-highly ionized gas, possibly out-flowing from the nucleus. We briefly compare our results with those obtained from other active galaxies.

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arXiv1997

On the dependence of the iron K-line profiles with luminosity in Active Galactic Nuclei

We present evidence for changes in the strength and profile of the iron K-alpha line in Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), based on X-ray observations with ASCA. There is a clear decrease in the strength of the line with increasing luminosity. This relation is is not due solely to radio power, as it persists when only radio-quiet AGN are considered and therefore cannot be fully explained by relativistic beaming. In addition to the change in strength, the line profile also appears to be different in higher luminosity sources. We discuss these results in terms of a model where the accretion disk becomes ionized as a function of the accretion rate.

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arXiv1997

ASCA observations of type-2 Seyfert galaxies: II. The Importance of X-ray Scattering and Reflection

We discuss the importance of X-ray scattering and Compton reflection in type-2 Seyfert galaxies, based upon the analysis of ASCA observations of 25 such sources. Consideration of the iron Kalpha, [O III] line and X-ray variability suggest that NGC 1068, NGC 4945, NGC 2992, Mrk 3, Mrk 463E and Mrk 273 are dominated by reprocessed X-rays. We examine the properties of these sources in more detail. We find that the iron Kalpha complex contains significant contributions from neutral and high-ionization species of iron. Compton reflection, hot gas and starburst emission all appear to make significant contributions to the observed X-ray spectra. Mrk 3 is the only source in this subsample which does not have a significant starburst contamination. The ASCA spectrum below 3 keV is dominated by hot scattering gas with U_X ~ 5, N_H ~ 4 x 10^23 cm^-2. This material is more highly ionized than the zone of material comprising the warm absorber seen in Seyfert~1 galaxies, but may contain a contribution from shock-heated gas associated with the jet. Estimates of the X-ray scattering fraction cover 0.25 - 5%. The spectrum above 3 keV appears to be dominated by a Compton reflection component although there is evidence that the primary continuum component becomes visible close to 10 keV.

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