Multiwavelength Observations of 12--Micron--Selected Active Galaxies from the X--Rays to the Far--IR.
Abstract
We present initial results from multiwavelength observations of a 12\um--flux--limited sample of active galaxies. Our all--sky (|b|>=25(deg) ) sample, selected from the IRAS FSC--2, contains 893 galaxies, including a sub--sample of 118 Seyfert galaxies. The latter represents the largest unbiased sample of Seyferts compiled to date. We summarize the results of Rush, Malkan, & Spinoglio (1993), in which sample completeness is verified, far--IR colors and luminosity functions are calculated, and comparisons are made with other galaxy samples. NIR photometry has been obtained for nearly all of the Seyferts and ~ 400 non--Seyferts. These data, combined with IRAS fluxes and optical data, are used to estimate bolometric luminosities for the sample galaxies. Initial results of this work show that the best IR/optical indicator of bolometric flux is the flux at 12\um. This supports the claim (Rush et al. 1993) that the 12\um\ flux is the most unbiased IR selection--criterion for Seyfert galaxies, and extends it to samples of non--active galaxies. Pointed ROSAT PSPC spectra have been obtained for 8 Sy 2s and 2 Sy 1s. This is complimented by ROSAT All--Sky Survey (RASS) data for nearly all of the Sy 1s and several dozen Sy 2s and high--luminosity non--Seyferts. Spectral fits to this data, as well as correlations between the soft x-rays and longer--wavelength data, are used to constrain competing models of the source(s) of x-ray emission from Seyfert nuclei. All of these data will be combined with radio fluxes, UV and optical spectrophotometry, and optical--NIR imaging to form a broad multiwavelength database which will be used to statistically address outstanding questions as to the nature of Seyfert activity.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 1993
- Bibcode:
- 1993AAS...183.4606R