The AGN of NGC 4151 as revealed by NuSTAR and Suzaku
Abstract
Through X-ray timing and spectral analyses of simultaneous, 150 ks Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) and Suzaku X-ray observations of the Seyfert 1.5 galaxy NGC 4151, we determine the properties of the innermost regions of the active galactic nucleus (AGN). Despite spectral complexity added by a possible Compton-thin eclipse, we constrain the dimensionless spin of the supermassive black hole (SMBH) in NGC 4151 for the first time through a spectral analysis. Applying a “lamp post” model for the innermost regions of the accretion disk, we find evidence that the corona is compact. To investigate time-variability of the inner accretion disk emission during an eclipse, we develop a library of time-dependent spectra and light curves covering a large range of disk, black hole, and absorber parameters. This library, when applied to an observation of a Compton-thick eclipse of the inner disk, will enable specific tests of inner accretion disk reflection models. We make these simulations available to the community in the form of table models useable in standard X-ray data analysis software.
- Publication:
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AAS/High Energy Astrophysics Division #14
- Pub Date:
- August 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014HEAD...1410602K