NuSTAR Reveals Intrinsically X-ray Weak Broad Absorption Line (BAL) Quasars
Abstract
The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) is providing unprecedented sensitivity to the high energy extragalactic sky in the 5 - 79 keV band. NASA's newest X-ray observatory is revolutionizing our understanding of the obscured population of active galactic nuclei (AGN) in this energy range. NuSTAR's targeted obscured AGN program includes observations of famous, nearby obscured AGN, nearby ultraluminous infrared galaxies, BAL quasars, SDSS type-2 AGN and WISE-selected obscured AGN. Here, we highlight recent results on NuSTAR observations of three nearby BAL quasars (Mrk 231, PG 1004+130, and PG 1700+518) to determine whether the observed X-ray faintness is a result of intrinsic X-ray weakness or obscuration. Confirmation of intrinsically X-ray weak AGN in BAL quasars would have important consequences regarding the origin of BAL features and models of BAL winds.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #223
- Pub Date:
- January 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014AAS...22341603T