Clumpy X-ray obscuration and eclipses: A new model for AGN
Abstract
Most active galactic nuclei are seen through thick circum-nuclear gas and dust. Also, these column densities vary on time scales of days to years, indicating that the obscurer is made from clumps. We present the first clumpy obscurer model that reproduces eclipse events and column density distributions, and is also compliant with the CLUMPY optical/infrared model. We developed a new, open-source Monte Carlo code, XARS, to X-ray illuminate arbitrary geometries and present high S/N X-ray spectra for XSPEC. Preliminary fits show good agreement with NuSTAR spectral observations of some nearby Compton-thick AGN. However, an additional, Compton-thick inner wall is necessary. Physical interpretations of this new component, and its infrared counterpart, will be discussed.
- Publication:
-
42nd COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- July 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018cosp...42E.456B