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Thomson Thick X-Ray Absorption in a Broad Absorption Line Quasar, PG 0946+301.

Mathur, Green, Arav

    The Astrophysical Journal
    |April 19, 2000
    PubMed
    Summary
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    We observed the broad absorption line quasar (BALQSO) PG 0946+301 using ASCA, finding evidence for significant X-ray absorption. This suggests BALQSOs may possess high column densities, impacting their observed properties.

    Area of Science:

    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
    • High-Energy Astrophysics
    • Cosmic Quasar Research

    Background:

    • Broad Absorption Line Quasars (BALQSOs) are a subset of active galactic nuclei characterized by broad absorption lines in their optical and UV spectra.
    • Understanding the physical conditions and obscuration mechanisms in BALQSOs is crucial for comprehending quasar evolution and the intergalactic medium.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the X-ray properties of the BALQSO PG 0946+301 using a deep ASCA observation.
    • To constrain the column density and ionization state of the absorbing material toward PG 0946+301.
    • To assess the implications of the observed absorption for the nature of BALQSOs and future X-ray observations.

    Main Methods:

    • A deep observation of the quasar PG 0946+301 was conducted using the Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics (ASCA).

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  • Analysis focused on the spectral data from ASCA's gas imaging spectrometers to detect X-ray emission and absorption features.
  • Comparison of spectral characteristics with those of normal radio-quiet quasars was performed to infer absorption properties.

    • Main Results:

    • The quasar PG 0946+301 was detected by only one ASCA detector, indicating significant X-ray attenuation.
    • The observations imply a Thomson-thick X-ray absorber with a column density (NH) exceeding 10^24 cm^-2, the highest estimated for a BALQSO to date.
    • The absorber is likely partially ionized and could be responsible for the optical and UV attenuation observed in BALQSOs.

    Conclusions:

    • The inferred high column density suggests that BALQSOs may harbor substantial obscuring material.
    • This material, if partially ionized, could explain the observed attenuation across different electromagnetic wavelengths.
    • The study indicates that hard X-ray spectroscopy with instruments like XMM-Newton is feasible for BALQSOs if their Thomson optical depth is near unity.