The NuSTAR View of the ULIRG Mrk 231
Abstract
We present results from a 42 ks simultaneous NuSTAR and Chandra observation of Mrk 231, an ultraluminous infrared galaxy and the nearest quasar. Our new data contradict previous hard X-ray (> 10 keV) results from BeppoSAX and Suzaku where the direct emission from the Compton-thick (N_H ~ 10^24 cm^{-2}) active galactic nucleus (AGN) is largely reflected and/or scattered and heavily obscured by a partial cover. We will discuss how the new data alter our current understanding of the nature of the AGN within Mrk 231 and account for the flat X-ray spectrum and weak iron line (equivalent width ~ 0.2 keV) seen in historic X-ray data at below 10 keV.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #221
- Pub Date:
- January 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013AAS...22124418T