Publication Date:
2011-08-19
Description:
The advantages of X-ray astronomy for studying active galactic nuclei (AGN) are discussed. If the X-ray emission from AGN arises from a region close to the central energy source X-ray observations may provide the best constraints on the central engine. The shape of the X-ray continuum gives information about the mechanism for photon generation; X-ray time variability data can constrain the size and mass of the continuum source; and X-ray occultation data gives constraints on the relative sizes of the continuum source and the intervening absorbing material. Since a fair fraction of the total energy of an AGN is emitted at X-ray wavelengths, direct measurement of the amount and spectral form of this radiation is important for modeling of the optically emitting clouds.
Keywords:
SPACE RADIATION
Type:
Max-Planck Inst. fuer Physik und Astrophysik X-Ray and UV Emission from Active Galactic Nuclei; p 73-87
Format:
text
