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X-rays from active galactic nuclei: relativistically broadened emission lines
1Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HA, UK.
Summary
Broad iron lines in Seyfert 1 galaxies reveal rapid accretion flows near supermassive black holes. Observations from ASCA to XMM-Newton confirm these phenomena, indicating study within 6GM/c^2.
Area of Science:
- * Astrophysics
- * High-energy astrophysics
Background:
- * Seyfert 1 galaxies commonly exhibit an iron-K emission line in their X-ray spectra.
- * Broad and skewed iron lines suggest gas motion influenced by strong gravity near central black holes.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review observational evidence for broad iron lines in Seyfert 1 galaxies.
- * To discuss line variability using specific galaxy examples.
Main Methods:
- * Analysis of X-ray spectra from missions including ASCA, Chandra, and XMM-Newton.
- * Examination of spectral data from MCG-6-30-15 to study line variability.
Main Results:
- * Observational data confirm the presence of broad iron emission lines.
- * Variability studies provide insights into accretion flow dynamics.
- * Evidence suggests accretion occurs within 6GM/c^2.
Conclusions:
- * Broad iron lines are a key indicator of accretion processes near supermassive black holes.
- * Current observations constrain the study of accretion flows to regions very close to the black hole.