Uncovering the Primary X-Ray Emission and Possible Starburst Component in the Polarized NLS1 Mrk 1239
Creators
- 1. Department of Astronomy & Physics, Saint Mary's University, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3C3 (Canada)
- 2. Dept. of Physics, Earth Science, and Space System Engineering, Morehead State University, 235 Martindale DR, Morehead, KY 40351 (United States)
- 3. Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie, Auf dem Hügel 69, D-53121, Bonn Germany (Germany)
Description
X-ray observations of the unique NLS1 galaxy Mrk 1239 spanning 18 yr are presented. Data from XMM-Newton, Suzaku, Swift, and NuSTAR are combined to obtain a broadband, multi-epoch view of the source. There is spectral variability in the 3–10 keV band over the 18 yr. An analysis of the NuSTAR and Suzaku lightcurves also suggests rapid variability in the 3–10 keV band, which is consistent with the NLS1 definition of the source. However, no variability is seen below 3 keV on any timescale. Two distinct physical models are adopted to describe the data above and below . The low energies are dominated by a hot, diffuse gas likely associated with a starburst component at large physical scales. The higher-energy spectrum is dominated by emission from the central region. Ionized partial covering and relativistic blurred reflection are considered for the central region emission. In both cases, the underlying power law has a photon index of Γ ∼ 2.3–2.4. A distant reflector, a neutral partial covering component with a covering fraction near ∼1, and contributions from starburst emission are always required. The blurred reflection model requires a reflection-dominated spectrum, which may be at odds with the low emissivity index and radio properties of the source. By contrast, the two absorption components required in the ionized partial covering model may correspond to the two distinct regions of polarization observed in the optical. Regardless of the physical model, spectral changes between epochs are driven by the absorption components—and on short timescales, by intrinsic active galactic nucleus variability.
Availability note (English)
Available from http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/abb08aAdditional details
Identifiers
Publishing Information
- Journal Title
- Astrophysical Journal
- Journal Volume
- 901
- Journal Issue
- 2
- Journal Page Range
- [14 p.]
- ISSN
- 0004-637X
- CODEN
- ASJOAB
INIS
- Country of Publication
- United Kingdom
- Country of Input or Organization
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
- INIS RN
- 52071721
- Subject category
- S79: ASTROPHYSICS, COSMOLOGY AND ASTRONOMY;
- Descriptors DEI
- ABSORPTION; COVERINGS; EMISSION; EMISSIVITY; ENERGY SPECTRA; GALAXIES; GALAXY NUCLEI; PHOTONS; REFLECTION; RELATIVISTIC RANGE; SIMULATION; X RADIATION
- Descriptors DEC
- BOSONS; ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION; ELEMENTARY PARTICLES; ENERGY RANGE; IONIZING RADIATIONS; MASSLESS PARTICLES; OPTICAL PROPERTIES; PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; RADIATIONS; SORPTION; SPECTRA; SURFACE PROPERTIES