XMM-Newton view of galaxy pairs: activation of quiescent black holes?
Abstract
We report on XMM-Newton observations of three nearby galaxy pairs, AM0707-273, AM1211-465, and AM2040-674. All six galaxies were previously classified as HII galaxies based on optical and IR spectroscopic analysis. All galaxies were detected with XMM-Newton and each member was isolated and analyzed independently. The X-ray spectra reveal strong evidence of AGN activity in the NE member of AM1211-465 pair. We measured a luminosity of 1.94^+0.11_-0.15×1042 erg/s in the 2-10 keV band and the presence of a neutral FeKα line with a confidence level of 98.8%. The high n{H} value, 2.2 ± 0.2×1022 cm-2, would explain the misclassification of the source. Marginal evidence of AGN nature was found in the X-ray spectra of AM1211-465SW and AM0707-273E. The X-ray emission of the three remaining galaxies can be explained by starburst activity.
Based on observations obtained with XMM-Newton, an ESA science mission with instruments and contributions directly funded by ESA Member States and NASA.- Publication:
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Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- July 2007
- DOI:
- 10.1051/0004-6361:20066761
- arXiv:
- arXiv:0704.3065
- Bibcode:
- 2007A&A...469..881J
- Keywords:
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- galaxies: active;
- galaxies: nuclei;
- galaxies: general;
- X-rays: galaxies;
- X-rays: general;
- Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- Accepted for publication in A&