XMM-Newton and NuSTAR joint observations of Mrk 915: a deep look into the X-ray properties

Journal
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Ballo, L.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Vignali, C.
•
Zaino, A.
DOI
Abstract
We report on the X-ray monitoring programme (covering slightly more than 11 d) carried out jointly by XMM-Newton and NuSTAR on the intermediate Seyfert galaxy Mrk 915. The light curves extracted in different energy ranges show a variation in intensity but not a significant change in the spectral shape. The X-ray spectra reveal the presence of a two-phase warm absorber: a fully covering mildly ionized structure [log ξ/(erg cm s^-1) ∼ 2.3, N_H∼ 1.3 × 10^21cm^-2] and a partial covering (∼90 per cent) lower ionized one [log ξ/(erg cm s^-1) ∼ 0.6, N_H∼ 2 × 10^22 cm^-2]. A reflection component from distant matter is also present. Finally, a high-column density (N_H ∼ 1.5 × 10^23 cm^-2) distribution of neutral matter covering a small fraction of the central region is observed, almost constant, in all observations. The main driver of the variations observed between the data sets is a decrease in the intrinsic emission by a factor of ∼1.5. Slight variations in the partial covering ionized absorber are detected, while the data are consistent with no variation of the total covering absorber. The most likely interpretation of the present data locates this complex absorber closer to the central source than the narrow line region, possibly in the broad line region, in the innermost part of the torus, or in between. The neutral obscurer may either be part of this stratified structure or associated with the walls of the torus, grazed by (and partially intercepting) the line of sight.
Volume
470
Issue
4
Start page
3924
Uri
Url
Issn Identifier
0035-8711
Ads BibCode
2017MNRAS.470.3924B
Rights
open.access
File(s)
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name

stx1360.pdf

Description
PDF editoriale
Size

2.33 MB

Format

Adobe PDF

Checksum (MD5)

470afce1e865f242d5d74d9ba9f1af87

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name

Ballo_1705.11114.pdf

Description
postprint
Size

2.6 MB

Format

Adobe PDF

Checksum (MD5)

5a65ff33228fe2a00fc235702dfcac12