scholarly journals Energy Distribution and Variability of BL LAC Objects. The Cases of PKS 2155–304 and 3C 66A.

1983 ◽  
Vol 104 ◽  
pp. 39-40
Author(s):  
L. Maraschi ◽  
D. Maccagni ◽  
E. G. Tanzi ◽  
M. Tarenghi ◽  
A. Treves
Keyword(s):  
Energy Distribution ◽  
Power Law ◽  
Maximum Amplitude ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Bl Lac Objects ◽  
X Ray ◽  
International Ultraviolet Explorer ◽  
Bl Lac ◽  
One Year ◽  
Ultraviolet Observations

PKS 2155–304 was repeatedly observed in 1979 and 1980 with the International Ultraviolet Explorer. Variations up to a factor of 2 in one year and by 20% in a day are found. The maximum amplitude of variation in X-rays is similar but the timescales are much shorter (a factor of 2 in one day; Urry and Mushotzky, 1982). In all cases the 1200–3100 A continuum is well fitted by a power law with frequency spectral index αUV between −0.7±0.03 and −0.9±0.03. Optical and ultraviolet observations taken within one day show different spectral slopes (Fig. 1). Separate power law fits in the two bands yield αopt = −0.46±0.01 and αUV = −0.80±0.02. The observations by Urry and Mushotzky indicate that the energy distribution steepens further in the soft X-ray region.

scholarly journals A Comparison of the X-ray Spectra of Quasars and BL Lac Objects

1989 ◽  
Vol 134 ◽  
pp. 197-198
Author(s):  
D. M. Worrall ◽  
B. J. Wilkes
Keyword(s):  
Power Law ◽  
Radio Spectrum ◽  
Spectral Indices ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Bl Lac Objects ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Bl Lac ◽  
Infrared Frequencies

Quasars with similar core-compact radio properties can be classified by their differences at optical and infrared frequencies. Their X-ray properties might be expected to be similar if the synchrotron self-Compton mechanism relates their radio and X-ray emission. We have compared the 0.2–3.5 keV mean power-law energy spectral indices, , for 4 quasar classes: 12 Highly Polarized QSOs (HPQs), 19 Flat Radio Spectrum, core-compact, low-polarization, QSOs (FRS QSOs), 24 radio-selected BL Lac objects, and 7 X-ray-selected BL Lac objects.

scholarly journals Broad-band study of high-synchrotron-peaked BL Lac object 1ES 1218+304

2020 ◽  
Vol 496 (4) ◽  
pp. 5518-5527
Author(s):  
N Sahakyan
Keyword(s):  
Energy Distribution ◽  
Electron Energy ◽  
Power Law ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
Energy Distributions ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Bl Lac ◽  
Photon Index ◽  
Γ Ray

ABSTRACT The origin of the multiwavelength emission from the high-synchrotron-peaked BL Lac 1ES 1218+304 is studied using the data from SwiftUVOT/XRT, NuSTAR, and Fermi-LAT. A detailed temporal and spectral analysis of the data observed during 2008–2020 in the  γ-ray (>100 MeV), X-ray (0.3–70 keV), and optical/UV bands is performed. The γ-ray spectrum is hard with a photon index of 1.71 ± 0.02 above 100 MeV. The SwiftUVOT/XRT data show a flux increase in the UV/optical and X-ray bands; the highest 0.3–3 keV X-ray flux was (1.13 ± 0.02) × 10−10 erg cm−2 s−1. In the 0.3–10 keV range, the averaged X-ray photon index is >2.0 which softens to 2.56 ± 0.028 in the 3–50 keV band. However, in some periods, the X-ray photon index became extremely hard (<1.8), indicating that the peak of the synchrotron component was above 1 keV, and so 1ES 1218+304 behaved like an extreme synchrotron BL Lac. The hardest X-ray photon index of 1ES 1218+304 was 1.60 ± 0.05 on MJD 58489. The time-averaged multiwavelength spectral energy distribution is modelled within a one-zone synchrotron self-Compton leptonic model using a broken power law and power law with an exponential cutoff electron energy distributions. The data are well explained when the electron energy distribution is $E_{\rm e}^{-2.1}$ extending up to γbr/cut ≃ (1.7 − 4.3) × 105, and the magnetic field is weak (B ∼ 1.5 × 10−2 G). By solving the kinetic equation for electron evolution in the emitting region, the obtained electron energy distributions are discussed considering particle injection, cooling, and escape.

scholarly journals X-Rays from Active Galactic Nuclei

1983 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 491-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.C. Fabian
Keyword(s):  
Active Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Seyfert Galaxies ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Bl Lac Objects ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Bl Lac

Recent X-ray observations of active galactic nuclei and Seyfert galaxies in particular are briefly reviewed. The application of the efficiency limit to rapidly varying luminous sources such as NGC 6814 is discussed. It is argued that the variability and probable MeV spectral turnover imply that most of the electrons which radiate the observed flux are only mildly relativistic. A possible link between the steep soft X-ray spectra and featureless optical continua of BL Lac objects is considered.

scholarly journals Observations of AGN with the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer

1994 ◽  
Vol 159 ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
Herman L. Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Power Law ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Active Galaxies ◽  
Spectral Features ◽  
Bl Lac Objects ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Difficult Time ◽  
Bl Lac ◽  
First Results ◽  
Galactic Sources

The first results from surveys performed in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) will be described in the context of studies of active galaxies and BL Lac objects. About a dozen extra-galactic sources are known so far to emit sufficient EUV radiation that they are detectable even through the Galactic interstellar medium. These results are interpreted in the context of a model of EUV or soft X-ray excesses in the case of AGN. In the case of BL Lac objects, the detections indicate that the steep soft X-ray power law spectra continue into the EUV and that there is little intrinsic gas. Finally, there now exists EUV spectra from the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer for one BL Lac, PKS 2155-304 and two AGN: Mk 478 and NGC 5548. The spectra show no significant spectral features; for AGN, it indicates that optically thin and emission line models may have a difficult time explaining the EUV and soft X-ray bumps.

scholarly journals PKS 2005-489: A very bright BL Lac object in a nearby galaxy

1986 ◽  
Vol 119 ◽  
pp. 59-60
Author(s):  
J V Wall ◽  
I J Danziger ◽  
M Pettini ◽  
R S Warwick ◽  
W Wamsteker
Keyword(s):  
Radio Source ◽  
Power Law ◽  
Nearby Galaxy ◽  
Bl Lac Objects ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Spectrum Radio ◽  
Bl Lac ◽  
The Galaxy

The galaxy identified with the flat-spectrum radio source PKS 2005-489 has a bright stellar nucleus with V ⋍ 13 mag. Optical, UV and X-ray observations indicate variability and power-law continua in each of these wavebands, leading to the conclusion that PKS 2005-489 is one of the brightest BL Lac objects known.

scholarly journals X-Ray Observations of Active Galactic Nuclei

1983 ◽  
Vol 104 ◽  
pp. 347-347
Author(s):  
C. Megan Urry ◽  
Richard F. Mushotzky ◽  
Allyn F. Tennant ◽  
Elihu A. Boldt ◽  
Stephen S. Holt
Keyword(s):  
Luminosity Function ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Seyfert Galaxies ◽  
Source Population ◽  
Bl Lac Objects ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Relativistic Beaming ◽  
Bl Lac ◽  
Ultraviolet Observations ◽  
Bl Lacs

HEAO 1 A2 and Einstein SSS spectral observations of Seyfert galaxies and BL Lac objects suggest that in both cases, the X-ray emission is due to relativistic particles. The five BL Lac objects have very soft spectra and at higher energies (above 10 keV) may have hard tails. Combining our X-ray data with radio, infrared, optical, and ultraviolet observations, we can fit the BL Lac spectra with the familiar synchrotron self-Compton model if we allow for relativistic beaming (Urry and Mushotzky 1982, Urry et al. 1982). We show that Doppler beaming of an underlying (Seyfert-like) source population flattens the observed luminosity function, and we emphasize that the relative numbers of BL Lacs and quasars in given spectral intervals are strong functions of selection effects, the degree of Doppler beaming, and the form of the intrinsic luminosity function.

scholarly journals High-Energy Continuum Variability in Active Galactic Nuclei

1994 ◽  
Vol 159 ◽  
pp. 113-122
Author(s):  
Rick Edelson
Keyword(s):  
Accretion Disk ◽  
Thermal Emission ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Thermal Source ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Optical Monitoring ◽  
Bl Lac Objects ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Bl Lac ◽  
Bl Lacs

CGRO and IUE observations suggest that the strong, aperiodic variability seen in the Exosat long-look observations of AGN extends over a much wider energy band. Some BL Lac objects (but no Seyfert 1 galaxies) have shown X-ray variations which were so rapid that they violate the assumptions of isotropy inherent in the Eddington limit. In the ultraviolet, Seyfert 1s as a class show an anti-correlation between the variability amplitude and luminosity, while BL Lacs show a positive correlation. Furthermore, Seyfert 1s show strong flux-correlated spectral variability, while BL Lacs show little or none. All of this suggests that the high-energy continua of BL Lacs are beamed towards us, while the ultraviolet continua of Seyfert 1s are emitted isotropically.The November 1991 multi-waveband monitoring of the BL Lac PKS 2155−304 showed strong correlated variability, with the soft X-rays leading the ultraviolet by a few hours, and no measurable lag between the ultraviolet and optical down to a limit of ≲ 1.5 hr. This indicates that the X-rays from this BL Lac are not produced by Compton upscattering, and that the ultraviolet does not come directly from a thermal source such as an accretion disk. This also strongly constrains the relativistic jet model, suggesting that all of the radiation is produced in a flattened region like a shock front.Low temporal resolution ultraviolet/optical monitoring of the Seyfert 1 NGC 5548 in 1989 yielded a strong correlation with no measurable lag to a limit of ≲4 days, casting some doubt on the standard model of thermal emission from an accretion disk in Seyfert 1s. Upcoming X-ray/ultraviolet/optical monitoring of the Seyfert 1 NGC 4151 in December 1993 will have much faster sampling, to permit a strong test of both this model and the competing reprocessing model.

scholarly journals A new hard X-ray-selected sample of extreme high-energy peaked BL Lac objects and their TeV gamma-ray properties

2019 ◽  
Vol 486 (2) ◽  
pp. 1741-1762 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Foffano ◽  
E Prandini ◽  
A Franceschini ◽  
S Paiano
Keyword(s):  
Spectral Properties ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Bl Lac Objects ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Bl Lac

ABSTRACT Extreme high-energy peaked BL Lac objects (EHBLs) are an emerging class of blazars with exceptional spectral properties. The non-thermal emission of the relativistic jet peaks in the spectral energy distribution (SED) plot with the synchrotron emission in X-rays and with the gamma-ray emission in the TeV range or above. These high photon energies may represent a challenge for the standard modelling of these sources. They are important for the implications on the indirect measurements of the extragalactic background light, the intergalactic magnetic field estimate, and the possible origin of extragalactic high-energy neutrinos. In this paper, we perform a comparative study of the multiwavelength spectra of 32 EHBL objects detected by the Swift-BAT telescope in the hard X-ray band and by the Fermi-LAT telescope in the high-energy gamma-ray band. The source sample presents uniform spectral properties in the broad-band SEDs, except for the TeV gamma-ray band where an interesting bimodality seems to emerge. This suggests that the EHBL class is not homogeneous, and a possible subclassification of the EHBLs may be unveiled. Furthermore, in order to increase the number of EHBLs and settle their statistics, we discuss the potential detectability of the 14 currently TeV gamma-ray undetected sources in our sample by the Cherenkov telescopes.

scholarly journals An X-ray Spectral Survey of BL Lac Objects

1989 ◽  
Vol 134 ◽  
pp. 191-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Barr ◽  
P. Giommi ◽  
A. Pollock ◽  
G. Tagliaferri ◽  
D. Maccagni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Energy ◽  
Oxygen Absorption ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Bl Lac Objects ◽  
Synchrotron Source ◽  
X Ray ◽  
High Energy Tail ◽  
Bl Lac ◽  
Spectral Survey ◽  
Bl Lacs

A wide variety of X-ray spectral forms has been reported in BL Lac objects. Concave spectra, i.e. a steep soft X-ray spectrum with a flat high energy tail, have been reported in a few of the brightest BL Lacs (e.g Urry 1986). Conversely, convex spectra (steep hard X-rays, flat soft X-ray spectrum) have also been reported, sometimes in the same objects (Madejski 1985, Barr et al 1988, George et al 1988). The high energy tails have usually been invoked as a signature of synchrotron-self-Compton emission. Two conflicting interpretations of the convex spectra have been made. Urry et al (1986) suggest absorption by a partially ionised medium, probably intrinsic to the BL Lac object, following the identification of an Oxygen absorption trough in the Einstein OGS spectrum of PKS 2155-304 by Canizares and Kruper (1984). Conversely, Barr et al (1988) attribute the hard X-ray steepening to energy loss mechanisms operating on a synchrotron source.

scholarly journals The X-Ray Spectra of Cygnus XR-1 and the Crab Nebula

1968 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 202-205
Author(s):  
Laurence E. Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Power Law ◽  
Crab Nebula ◽  
Atmospheric Depth ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
X Ray ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Crab Nebula

In this paper we wish to present briefly the latest results which have been obtained on the hard X-ray spectra of two strong sources in the Northern skies. These observations, which have been discussed in detail previously (Peterson et al., 1967), were made from balloons launched at Palestine, Texas, to 3 gm/cm2 atmospheric depth during September 1966. The Crab Nebula and the Cygnus XR-1 were observed to have a differential number power law spectra with an index of about –2 over the 20–200 keV range. Both sources have the same intensity within about 10%. The Crab Nebula has been observed on two occasions, one year apart, and showed no change in intensity over this range at about a 5% significance level.

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