We have studied the correlation among X-ray absorption, optical reddening and nuclear dust morphology in Seyfert 2 galaxies. Two main conclusions emerge: (i) the Balmer decrement and the amount of X-ray absorption are anticorrelated over a wide range of column density, 10(21) less than or similar to N-H less than or similar to 10(24) cm(-2) - the correlation no longer applies to Compton-thick objects (N-H greater than or similar to 10(24) cm(-2)), although they span a comparable range in Balmer decrement; (ii) Compton-thin Seyfert 2s seem to prefer nuclear environments, which are rich in dust on scales of hundreds of parsecs. On the other hand, Compton-thick Seyferts indifferently exhibit 'dust-poor' and 'dust-rich' environments. These results support an extension of the Seyfert unification scenario (as recently proposed by Matt), where Compton-thick Seyfert 2s are observed through compact 'tori', whereas Compton-thin ones are obscured by dust on much larger scales.

Guainazzi, M., Fiore, F., Matt, G., Perola, G.c. (2001). X-ray absorption in Seyfert 2 galaxies. MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, 327(1), 323-328 [10.1046/j.1365-8711.2001.04710.x].

X-ray absorption in Seyfert 2 galaxies

MATT, Giorgio;
2001-01-01

Abstract

We have studied the correlation among X-ray absorption, optical reddening and nuclear dust morphology in Seyfert 2 galaxies. Two main conclusions emerge: (i) the Balmer decrement and the amount of X-ray absorption are anticorrelated over a wide range of column density, 10(21) less than or similar to N-H less than or similar to 10(24) cm(-2) - the correlation no longer applies to Compton-thick objects (N-H greater than or similar to 10(24) cm(-2)), although they span a comparable range in Balmer decrement; (ii) Compton-thin Seyfert 2s seem to prefer nuclear environments, which are rich in dust on scales of hundreds of parsecs. On the other hand, Compton-thick Seyferts indifferently exhibit 'dust-poor' and 'dust-rich' environments. These results support an extension of the Seyfert unification scenario (as recently proposed by Matt), where Compton-thick Seyfert 2s are observed through compact 'tori', whereas Compton-thin ones are obscured by dust on much larger scales.
2001
Guainazzi, M., Fiore, F., Matt, G., Perola, G.c. (2001). X-ray absorption in Seyfert 2 galaxies. MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, 327(1), 323-328 [10.1046/j.1365-8711.2001.04710.x].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11590/148093
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