A Scaling Law for Magnetic Flux Tubes on an AGN Accretion Disk
Abstract
An ASCA observation of Seyfert galaxy NGC 3227 showed flares with a linear increase and exponential decrease similar to that of solar flares. We derive a scaling law relating the loop length of a magnetic flux tube to rise and decay times of the flare using cooling mechanisms suitable for the central engine of a Seyfert galaxy. The predicted loop lengths are consistent with physical constraints on the plasma dynamics, suggesting that the same mechanism which explains solar flares may explain variability in Seyfert galaxies.
- Publication:
-
Highly Energetic Physical Processes and Mechanisms for Emission from Astrophysical Plasmas
- Pub Date:
- May 2000
- Bibcode:
- 2000IAUS..195..409L