X-ray Variability of the Broad Line Radio Galaxy 3C 120
Abstract
The broad line radio galaxy 3C 120 presents an interesting hybrid of a normal Seyfert galaxy and a blazar. Originally classified as a Seyfert 1, a superluminal jet was later discovered. The jet in this object allows us to test different hypotheses about the origin of X-ray variability in AGN. We have analyzed several years of X-ray data from RXTE, and present an analysis of the timing properties of 3C 120. The power density spectrum, the first such for a radio-loud AGN, shows a steep power law at high frequencies, which breaks to a shallower slope at low frequencies. This is similar to the behavior seen in galactic black holes such as Cygnus X-1. From this we can estimate the mass of the central supermassive black hole in 3C 120. Conclusions are drawn as to the nature of X-ray variability in this object, and the connection with galactic black hole candidates.
- Publication:
-
AAS/High Energy Astrophysics Division #8
- Pub Date:
- August 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004HEAD....8.3805M