Constraining the central engine of radio-loud AGNs

Rita M. Sambruna, Michael Eracleous, Richard F. Mushotzky

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present an X-ray spectral survey of radio-loud (RL) AGNs using ASCA and RXTE. The goal was to study the structure of their central engines and compare it to that of their radio-quiet (RQ) counterparts. We find systematic differences in the X-ray properties of the two AGN classes. Specifically, RL AGNs exhibit weaker Fe lines and reflection components than RQ AGNs, indicating smaller solid angles subtended by the re-processing medium to the X-ray source. The circumnuclear environs of RL and RQ AGNs also differ: large amounts of cold gas are detected in Broad Line Radio Galaxies and Quasars, contrary to what is found in Seyfert galaxies of similar X-ray luminosity. We also discuss ASCA observations of Weak Line Radio Galaxies, a distinct subset of radio galaxies which may harbor a low-luminosity AGN powered by an advection-dominated accretion flow.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)215-220
Number of pages6
JournalNew Astronomy Reviews
Volume46
Issue number2-7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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