The origin of continuum emission in active galactic nuclei.
Abstract
The general understanding of the continuum emission from AGN has changed from the picture where nonthermal processes were responsible for all of the emission. The current body of observation indicates that there are two types of objects, one being the blazar class (or blazar component), where nearly all of the emission is nonthermal, due primarily to synchrotron and inverse Compton emission. In the other class, the radio-quiet AGN (component), the emission is almost entirely thermal, with radiation from dust dominating the near infrared to submillimeter region. Another attractive model has free-free emission being responsible for the optical to soft X-ray emission.
- Publication:
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Multi-Wavelength Continuum Emission of AGN
- Pub Date:
- 1994
- Bibcode:
- 1994IAUS..159....5B
- Keywords:
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- Active Galactic Nuclei: Continuum Radiation;
- Active Galactic Nuclei: Radiation Mechanisms