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)(-015) x 10(42) erg/s in the 2-10 keV band and the presence of a neutral FeK alpha line with a confidence level of 98.8%. The high n(H) value, 2.2 +/- 0.2 x 1022 cm(-2), would explain the mis-classification 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.
Jimenez Bailon, E., Loiseau, N., Guainazzi, M., Matt, G., Rosa Gonzalez, D., Piconcelli, E., et al. (2007). XMM-Newton view of galaxy pairs: activation of quiescent black holes?. ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS, 469(3), 881-889 [10.1051/0004-6361:20066761].
XMM-Newton view of galaxy pairs: activation of quiescent black holes?
MATT, Giorgio;
2007-01-01
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)(-015) x 10(42) erg/s in the 2-10 keV band and the presence of a neutral FeK alpha line with a confidence level of 98.8%. The high n(H) value, 2.2 +/- 0.2 x 1022 cm(-2), would explain the mis-classification 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.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
