scholarly journals Active Nuclei and Redshift Problems

1983 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 531-533
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Burbidge
Keyword(s):  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Seyfert Galaxies ◽  
Radio Sources ◽  
Powerful Radio ◽  
Radiation Mechanism ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Major Interest ◽  
Relativistic Particles

More than 20 years ago V. A. Ambartsumian proposed that much of the activity in galaxies was dominated and even generated by their nuclei. Subsequent observational work in radio, optical and x-ray frequencies has borne out his prophecy, and major interest has centered about the nature of the machine in the galactic nucleus. The major characteristic of this machine is that it releases energy rapidly and often spasmodically by processes which are not thermonuclear in origin.The original studies which led to the conclusion that nuclei were all important were observations of the powerful radio sources and Seyfert galaxies, and evidence for the ejection of gas from galaxies of many types. The realization that the synchrotron mechanism was the dominant radiation mechanism and the later studies of Compton radiation were fundamental in leading to the conclusion that large fluxes of relativistic particles must be generated in galactic nuclei.

scholarly journals The Jet-Disk Coupling of Seyfert Galaxies from a Complete Hard X-ray Sample

Universe ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang Liu ◽  
Ning Chang ◽  
Zhenhua Han ◽  
Xin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Active Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Accretion Rate ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Seyfert Galaxies ◽  
Radio Galaxies ◽  
Powerful Radio ◽  
Linear Coupling ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Radiative Efficiency ◽  
Coupling Index

We analyze the jet-disk coupling for different subsamples from a complete hard X-ray Seyfert sample to study the coupling indices and their relation to accretion rate. The results are: (1) the power-law coupling index ranges from nearly unity (linear correlation) for radio loud Seyferts to significantly less than unity for radio quiet ones. This decline trend of coupling index also holds from larger sources to compact ones; (2) the Seyferts with intermediate to high accretion rate (Eddington ratio λ ∼ 0.001 to 0.3) show a linear jet-disk coupling, but it shallows from near to super Eddington ( λ ∼ 0.3 to 10), and the former is more radio loud than the latter; (3) the Seyfert 1s are slightly steeper than the Seyfert 2s, in the jet-disk correlation. In the linear coupling regime, the ratio of jet efficiency to radiative efficiency ( η / ε ) is nearly invariant, but in low accretion or super accretion regime, η / ε varies with λ in our model. We note that a radio-active cycle of accretion-dominated active galactic nuclei would be: from a weaker jet-disk coupling in λ < 0 . 001 for low luminosity Seyferts, to a linear coupling in 0 . 001 < λ < 0 . 3 for radio-loud luminous Seyferts and powerful radio galaxies/quasars, and to a weaker coupling in 0 . 3 < λ < 10 ones.

scholarly journals The Origin of Continuum Emission in Active Galactic Nuclei

1994 ◽  
Vol 159 ◽  
pp. 5-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel N. Bregman
Keyword(s):  
Accretion Disk ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Black Body ◽  
Continuum Emission ◽  
Radiation Mechanism ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Pair Plasma ◽  
Inverse Compton ◽  
The Continuum

The general understanding of the continuum emission from AGN has changed from the picture where nonthermal processes were responsible for all of the emission. The current body of observation indicates that there are two types of objects, one being the blazar class (or blazar component), where nearly all of the emission is nonthermal, due primarily to synchrotron and inverse Compton emission. Variability studies indicate that the emitting region decreases with size from the radio through the X-ray region, where the size of the X-ray region is of order a light hour. More than two dozen of these radio-loud AGNs have been detected at GeV energies (one source at TeV energies), for which the radiation mechanism may be inverse Compton mechanism.In the other class, the radio-quiet AGN (component), the emission is almost entirely thermal, with radiation from dust dominating the near infrared to submillimeter region. The optical to soft X-ray emission is often ascribed to black body emission from an opaque accretion disk, but variability studies may not be consistent with expectations. Another attractive model has free-free emission being responsible for the optical to soft X-ray emission. The highest frequencies at which these AGN are detected is the MeV range, and these data should help to determine if this emission is produced in a scattering atmosphere, such as that around an accretion disk, or by another model involving an opaque pair plasma.

scholarly journals Identification of AGN in the XMM-Newton X-ray survey of the SMC

2019 ◽  
Vol 622 ◽  
pp. A29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandreyee Maitra ◽  
Frank Haberl ◽  
Valentin D. Ivanov ◽  
Maria-Rosa L. Cioni ◽  
Jacco Th. van Loon
Keyword(s):  
Near Infrared ◽  
Spectral Characteristics ◽  
Selection Criterion ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Seyfert Galaxies ◽  
Mid Infrared ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Stellar Density ◽  
Narrow Emission

Context. Finding active galactic nuclei (AGN) behind the Magellanic Clouds (MCs) is difficult because of the high stellar density in these fields. Although the first AGN behind the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) were reported in the 1980s, it is only recently that the number of AGN known behind the SMC has increased by several orders of magnitude. Aims. The mid-infrared colour selection technique has proven to be an efficient means of identifying AGN, especially obscured sources. The X-ray regime is complementary in this regard and we use XMM-Newton observations to support the identification of AGN behind the SMC. Methods. We present a catalogue of AGN behind the SMC by correlating an updated X-ray point-source catalogue from our XMM-Newton survey of the SMC with previously identified AGN from the literature as well as a list of candidates obtained from the ALLWISE mid-infrared colour-selection criterion. We studied the properties of the sample with respect to their redshifts, luminosities, and X-ray spectral characteristics. We also identified the near-infrared counterpart of the sources from the VISTA observations. Results. The redshift and luminosity distributions of the sample (where known) indicate that we detect sources ranging from nearby Seyfert galaxies to distant and obscured quasars. The X-ray hardness ratios are compatible with those typically expected for AGN, and the VISTA colours and variability are also consistent with AGN. A positive correlation was observed between the integrated X-ray flux (0.2–12 keV) and the ALLWISE and VISTA magnitudes. We further present a sample of new candidate AGN and candidates for obscured AGN. Together these make an interesting subset for further follow-up studies. An initial spectroscopic follow-up of 6 out of the 81 new candidates showed that all six sources are active galaxies, although two have narrow emission lines.

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 Magnetized black hole as an accelerator of charged particle

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bobur Turimov
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Black Hole ◽  
Charged Particle ◽  
Active Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Zeeman Effect ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Fundamental Frequencies ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Relativistic Particles

Astrophysical accretion processes near the black hole candidates, such as active galactic nuclei (AGN), X-ray binary (XRB), and other astrophysical sources, are associated with high-energetic emission of radiation of relativistic particles and outflows (winds and/or jets). It is widely believed that the magnetic field plays a very important role to explain such high energetic processes in the vicinity of those astrophysical sources. In the present research note, we propose that the black hole is embedded in an asymptotically uniform magnetic field. We investigate the dynamical motion of charged particles in the vicinity of a weakly magnetized black hole. We show that in the presence of the magnetic field, the radius of the innermost stable circular orbits (ISCO) for a charged particle is located close to the black hole’s horizon. The fundamental frequencies, such as Keplerian and epicyclic frequencies of the charged particle are split into two parts due to the magnetic field, as an analog of the Zeeman effect. The orbital velocity of the charged particle measured by a local observer has been computed in the presence of the external magnetic field. We also present an analytical expression for the four-acceleration of the charged particle orbiting around black holes. Finally, we determine the intensity of the radiating charged accelerating relativistic particle orbiting around the magnetized black hole.

scholarly journals Cosmological Evolution of the Central Engine in High-Luminosity, High-Accretion Rate AGN

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-95
Author(s):  
Matteo Guainazzi
Keyword(s):  
Active Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Accretion Rate ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Seyfert Galaxies ◽  
Cosmological Evolution ◽  
High Luminosity ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Central Engine ◽  
The Status ◽  
Multi Wavelength

In this paper I discuss the status of observational studies aiming at probing the cosmological evolution of the central engine in high-luminosity, high-accretion rate Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). X-ray spectroscopic surveys, supported by extensive multi-wavelength coverage, indicate a remarkable invariance of the accretion disk plus corona system, and of their coupling up to redshifts z≈6. Furthermore, hard X-ray (<em>E</em> &gt;10 keV) surveys show that nearby Seyfert Galaxies share the same central engine notwithstanding their optical classication. These results suggest that the high-luminosity, high accretion rate quasar phase of AGN evolution is homogeneous over cosmological times.

scholarly journals Fine Classification of QSOs and Seyferts for Activity Types Based on SDSS Spectroscopy

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Mickaelian ◽  
H. V. Abrahamyan ◽  
G. M. Paronyan ◽  
G. A. Mikayelyan
Keyword(s):  
Active Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Radio Sources ◽  
Spectral Classification ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Activity Types ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Variable Radio ◽  
Fine Classification

Using the SDSS spectroscopy, we have carried out fine optical spectral classification for activity types for 710 AGN candidates. These objects come from a larger sample of some 2,500 candidate AGN using pre-selection by various samples; bright objects of the Catalog of Quasars and Active Galactic Nuclei, AGN candidates among X-ray sources, optically variable radio sources, IRAS extragalactic objects, etc. A number of papers have been published with the results of this spectral classification. More than 800 QSOs have been identified and classified, including 710 QSOs, Seyferts and Composites. The fine classification shows that many QSOs show the same features as Seyferts, i.e., subtypes between S1 and S2 (S1.2, S1.5, S1.8 and S1.9). We have introduced subtypes for the QSOs: QSO1.2, QSO1.5, QSO1.8, QSO1.9, though the last subtype does not appear in SDSS wavelength range due to mostly highly redshifted Hα (the main line for identification of the 1.9 subtype). Thus, independent of the luminosity (which serves as a separator between QSOs and Seyferts), AGN show the same features. We also have classified many objects as Composites, spectra having composite characteristics between Sy and LINERs, Sy and HII or LINERs and HII; in some cases all three characteristics appear together resulting as Sy/LINER/HII subtype. The QSOs subtypes together with Seyfert ones allow to follow AGN properties along larger redshift range expanding our knowledge on the evolution of AGN to more distant Universe represented by QSOs.

scholarly journals Analytical Modelling of Linear Size Evolution of Powerful Radio Sources

1996 ◽  
Vol 175 ◽  
pp. 481-482
Author(s):  
Krzysztof T. Chyży
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Medium ◽  
Surrounding Medium ◽  
Constant Density ◽  
Radio Sources ◽  
Powerful Radio ◽  
Size Evolution ◽  
Bulk Energy ◽  
High Mach ◽  
Relativistic Particles

We assume that two continuous, supersonic jets of plasma advance into a uniform surrounding medium of constant density and pressure. In terms of fluid dynamics their propagation is described by the kinetic model suitable for high Mach number flows, which likely occur in edge-brightened powerful radio sources. In this approximation the jet flowing energy is dominated by the bulk energy of thermal material. The end of the jet enters the undisturbed ambient medium and forms a front shock, where the supplied bulk energy is in situ transferred to relativistic particles and magnetic field.

scholarly journals Rapid X-ray variability in active galactic nuclei

1986 ◽  
Vol 119 ◽  
pp. 269-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Barr ◽  
R. Mushotzky ◽  
P. Giommi ◽  
J. Clavel ◽  
W. Wamsteker
Keyword(s):  
Active Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Seyfert Galaxies ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Earth Orbit ◽  
Rapid Variability ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Electron Positron ◽  
Eddington Limit

SummaryRecent EXOSAT observations of active galactic nuclei are presented. Unlike earlier X-ray satellites (all of which flew in low earth orbit), the deep orbit of EXOSAT allows long continuous observations of celestial X-ray sources, uninterrupted by earth occultation etc. We present the results of EXOSAT observations of several AGN which have been seen to vary rapidly (timescale 0.2–6 hours). We also consider the implications of rapid variability in AGN. For Seyfert galaxies and quasars, we find a highly significant correlation between the timescale of variability and their X-ray luminosity. They are not, howwever, bounded either by the (classical) Eddington limit nor by efficiency arguments. We sugest, rather, that the emitting plasma is dominated by electron-positron pairs.

scholarly journals X-Ray Properties of Galactic Nuclei

1980 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 623-630
Author(s):  
Daniel W. Weedman
Keyword(s):  
Emission Line ◽  
Active Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Seyfert Galaxy ◽  
Seyfert Galaxies ◽  
Strong Emission ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Ngc 4151 ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Emission Line Galaxies

Preparing this review was my just punishment for stating only two years ago - in another review (Weedman 1977) - that Seyfert galaxies are not strong X-ray sources. I said that because, as recently as three years ago, NGC 4151 was the only Seyfert galaxy known as an X-ray source. Now we have 36 Seyfert 1 galaxies, along with 12 other galaxies with strong emission-line nuclei, that are X-ray sources. And this is all without even having HEAO-2 data at our disposal yet. The study of active galactic nuclei with X-ray astronomy is progressing so rapidly that a reviewer feels almost hopeless. The best I can do is summarize what is known as of the summer of 1979 and give a simple overview of how X-ray and other properties relate.Some excellent reviews of the X-ray properties of Seyfert and other emission-line galaxies already exist. I especially recommend that by Andrew Wilson (1979). He provides very complete references as of a year ago, but X-ray astronomy is progressing so rapidly that he then had only somewhat more than half the active nuclei now in Tables 1 and 2. It was the group working with the Ariel V SSI that made the initial comprehensive X-ray studies of Seyfert galaxies (Ward et al. 1977, Elvis et al. 1978). The UHURU results for Seyfert galaxies followed soon after and are summarized by Tananbaum et al. (1978); the HEAO-A-2 survey results are now in press (Marshall et al. 1979) I have tried to incorporate these and other recent results in Tables 1 and 2.

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