What can we learn from multiple XMM-Newton observations of NGC 4051?
Abstract
We will discuss the results of a recent 600 ks XMM-Newton observation of the prototypical low-mass Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4051. The XMM-Newton observation comprise 15 observations spread over 45 days and were enhanced with overlapping Swift XRT/UVOT and on-going RXTE monitoring. These data comprise one of the most photon-rich AGN X-ray observations to date, covers a wide range in timescales (minutes-weeks), and reveal details of the X-ray spectrum as the source flux varies by more than an order of magnitude. In the time available we will attempt to discuss some of the main results to come out of this campaign, which include: * the rich RGS spectrum showing complex absorption due to a hotoionised, outflowing wind with several velocity components, which changes to an emission line dominated spectrum at lower fluxes * striking broad-band X-ray spectral variability that has been studied with a variety of methods (PCA, energy-dependent flux-flux and rms-flux fitting, direct spectral fitting, etc.) and reveals several spectral components with differing variability timescales. * Comparison of UV/X-ray variability, inter-band lags and the broad-band SED We will try to place these data and results within the context of other AGN observations of the XMM-Chandra-Suzaku era, and look forward to the future of the field, particularly the potential of IXO to go beyond what is possible with the current generation of facilities.
- Publication:
-
38th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010cosp...38.2253V