Rapid X-Ray Variability of Seyfert 1 Galaxies

Authors: Vaughan, S.¹; Fabian, A.²; Iwasawa, K.²

Source: Astrophysics and Space Science, Volume 300, Numbers 1-3, November 2005 , pp. 119-125(7)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

The rapid and seemingly random fluctuations in X-ray luminosity of Seyfert galaxies provided early support for the standard model in which Seyferts are powered by a supermassive black hole fed from an accretion disc. However, since EXOSAT there has been little opportunity to advance our understanding of the most rapid X-ray variability. Observations with XMM-Newton have changed this.

We discuss some recent results obtained from XMM-Newton observations of Seyfert 1 galaxies. Particular attention will be given to the remarkable similarity found between the timing properties of Seyferts and black hole X-ray binaries, including the power spectrum and the cross spectrum (time delays and coherence), and their implications for the physical processes at work in Seyferts.

Keywords: X-rays; variability; active galaxies

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10509-005-1211-x

Affiliations: 1: X-Ray and Observational Astronomy Group, University of Leicester, Leicester, U.K., Email: sav2@star.le.ac.uk 2: Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, U.K.,

Publication date: 2005-11-01