X-Ray Continuum and Iron K Emission Line from the Radio Galaxy 3C 390.3
Abstract
X-ray properties of the radio galaxy 3C 390.3 were investigated using the EXOSAT and Ginga satellites. Long-term, large-amplitude X-ray intensity changes were detected over a period extending from 1984 through 1991, and high-quality X-ray spectra were obtained especially with Ginga. The X-ray continuum spectra were described with power-law model with photon slope in the range 1.5-1.8, and the slope flattened as the 2-20 keV luminosity decreased by 40%. There was a first detection of the iron emission line from this source at the 90% confidence level. An upper limit was derived on the thermal X-ray component. X-ray emission mechanisms and possible origins of the long-term variation are discussed.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- January 1994
- DOI:
- 10.1086/173547
- Bibcode:
- 1994ApJ...420..143I
- Keywords:
-
- Emission Spectra;
- Iron;
- Line Spectra;
- Radio Galaxies;
- X Ray Sources;
- X Ray Spectra;
- Astronomical Models;
- Continuous Radiation;
- Exosat Satellite;
- Ginga Satellite;
- Radio Astronomy;
- Astrophysics;
- GALAXIES: ACTIVE;
- GALAXIES: INDIVIDUAL ALPHANUMERIC: 3C 390.3;
- X-RAYS: GALAXIES