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A well-known calibrator source in radio astronomy, 3C 286 (⁠|$z=0.85$|⁠), is a compact steep-spectrum (CSS) radio source and spectroscopically classified as a narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxy. It is also known for its damped Ly |$\alpha$| system from an intervening galaxy at |$z=0.692$| detected in both ultraviolet (UV) and radio spectra. In addition, despite being a misaligned active galactic nuclei (AGN), 3C 286 is also detected in |$\gamma$| -rays by Fermi. Thus, this unique object combines the characteristics of CSS sources, NLS1 galaxies, and |$\gamma$| -ray emitters with misaligned jets, providing an excellent laboratory for extending our knowledge of AGN disc–jet coupling. Despite its significance, 3C 286 has been rarely observed in X-rays. In this study, we present our deep XMM–Newton and Chandra observations of 3C 286. The results reveal that the X-ray spectrum can be well-described by models including an intervening absorber with redshift and column density consistent with previous UV and radio observations. The most important finding is that the spectrum cannot be described by a single power law, but a soft excess is required which is parametrized by a blackbody. Furthermore, we find evidence suggesting the presence of off-nuclear X-ray emission at a radius that corresponds to the location of the radio lobes. While further theoretical work is still needed, our findings offer new clues to understand the specific mechanism for |$\gamma$| -ray emission from this unique object. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a sample of $\sim$80 local ($0.02 \leq z \leq 0.1$) Seyfert-1 galaxieswith high-quality long-slit Keck spectra and spatially-resolvedstellar-velocity dispersion ($\sigma_{\star}$) measurements, we study theprofile of the [OIII]$\lambda$5007A emission line to test the validity of usingits width as a surrogate for $\sigma_{\star}$. Such an approach has often beenused in the literature, since it is difficult to measure $\sigma_{\star}$ fortype-1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) due to the AGN continuum outshining thestellar-absorption lines. Fitting the [OIII] line with a single Gaussian orGauss-Hermite polynomials overestimates $\sigma_{\star}$ by 50-100%. When lineasymmetries from non-gravitational gas motion are excluded in a double Gaussianfit, the average ratio between the core [OIII] width ($\sigma_{\rm{[OIII],D}}$) and $\sigma_{\star}$ is $\sim$1, but with individual data pointsoff by up to a factor of two. The resulting black-hole-mass-$\sigma_{\rm{[OIII],D}}$ relation scatters around that of quiescent galaxies andreverberation-mapped AGNs. However, a direct comparison between$\sigma_{\star}$ and $\sigma_{\rm {[OIII],D}}$ shows no close correlation, onlythat both quantities have the same range, average and standard deviation,probably because they feel the same gravitational potential. The large scatteris likely due to the fact that line profiles are a luminosity-weighted average,dependent on the light distribution and underlying kinematic field. Within therange probed by our sample (80-260 km s$^{-1}$), our results strongly cautionagainst the use of [OIII] width as a surrogate for $\sigma_{\star}$ on anindividual basis. Even though our sample consists of radio-quiet AGNs, FIRSTradio-detected objects have, on average, a $\sim$10% larger [OIII] core width.

A sample of 102 local (0.02 < z < 0.1) Seyfert galaxies with black holemasses MBH > 10^7 M_sun was selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS)and observed using the Keck 10-m telescope to study the scaling relationsbetween MBH and host galaxy properties. We study profile changes of the broadHbeta emission line within the ~3-9 year time-frame between the two sets ofspectra. The variability of the broad Hbeta emission line is of particularinterest, not only since it is used to estimate MBH, but also since itsstrength and width is used to classify Seyfert galaxies into different types.At least some form of broad-line variability (in either width or flux) isobserved in the majority (~66%) of the objects, resulting in a Seyfert-typechange for ~38% of the objects, likely driven by variable accretion and/orobscuration. The broad Hbeta line virtually disappears in 3/102 (~3%) extremecases. We discuss potential causes for these changing-look AGNs. While similardramatic transitions have previously been reported in the literature, either ona case-by-case basis or in larger samples focusing on quasars at higherredshifts, our study provides statistical information on the frequency ofH$\beta$ line variability in a sample of low-redshift Seyfert galaxies.

A sample of 102 local (0.02 < z < 0.1) Seyfert galaxies with black holemasses MBH > 10^7 M_sun was selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS)and observed using the Keck 10-m telescope to study the scaling relationsbetween MBH and host galaxy properties. We study profile changes of the broadHbeta emission line within the ~3-9 year time-frame between the two sets ofspectra. The variability of the broad Hbeta emission line is of particularinterest, not only since it is used to estimate MBH, but also since itsstrength and width is used to classify Seyfert galaxies into different types.At least some form of broad-line variability (in either width or flux) isobserved in the majority (~66%) of the objects, resulting in a Seyfert-typechange for ~38% of the objects, likely driven by variable accretion and/orobscuration. The broad Hbeta line virtually disappears in 3/102 (~3%) extremecases. We discuss potential causes for these changing-look AGNs. While similardramatic transitions have previously been reported in the literature, either ona case-by-case basis or in larger samples focusing on quasars at higherredshifts, our study provides statistical information on the frequency ofH$\beta$ line variability in a sample of low-redshift Seyfert galaxies.

As one of the drivers of feedback in active galactic nuclei (AGNs), the jets launched from supermassive black holes (SMBHs) are important for understanding the co-evolution of SMBHs and their host galaxies. However, the formation of AGN jets is far from clear. The discovery of γ-ray narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies during the past two decades has provided us with a new means of studying the link between jets and accretion processes and the formation of jets. Here, we explore the coupling of jet and accretion discs in seven bright γ-ray NLS1 galaxies by studying simultaneous optical/ultraviolet and X-ray observations of these systems taken by Swift. The results show that, except for 1H 0323+342 in which the X-rays are significantly contributed from the accretion disc, the observed X-ray emission of the other sources is dominated by the jet, and accretion process makes little contribution if not absent. Although the origin of the X-ray emission is different, the broad-band spectral shape characterized by αox and the X-ray flux is found to follow the same evolutionary trend in 1H 0323+342, PMN J0948+0022, and PKS 1502+036. For the remaining sources, the trend is not observed or the sampling is not dense enough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The project MOMO (Multiwavelength Observations and Modelling of OJ 287) was set up to test predictions of binary supermassive black hole (SMBH) scenarios and to understand disc–jet physics of the blazar OJ 287. After a correction, the precessing binary (PB) SMBH model predicted the next main outburst of OJ 287 in 2022 October, making the outburst well observable and the model testable. We have densely covered this period in our ongoing multifrequency radio, optical, ultraviolet (UV), and X-ray monitoring. The predicted outburst was not detected. Instead, OJ 287 was at low optical–UV emission levels, declining further into November. The predicted thermal bremsstrahlung spectrum was not observed either, at any epoch. Further, applying scaling relations, we estimate an SMBH mass of OJ 287 of 108 M⊙. The latest in a sequence of deep low states that recur every 1–2 yr is used to determine an upper limit on the Eddington ratio and on the accretion-disc luminosity. This limit is at least a factor of 10 lower than required by the PB model with its massive primary SMBH of >1010 M⊙. All these results favour alternative binary SMBH models of OJ 287 that require neither strong orbital precession nor a very large mass of the primary SMBH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a study of optically selected dual Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) with projected separations of 3–97 kpc. Using multiwavelength (MWL) information (optical, X-ray, mid-IR), we characterized the intrinsic nuclear properties of this sample and compared them with those of isolated systems. Among the 124 X-ray-detected AGN candidates, 52 appear in pairs and 72 as single X-ray sources. Through MWL analysis, we confirmed the presence of the AGN in >80 per cent of the detected targets in pairs (42 out of 52). X-ray spectral analysis confirms the trend of increasing AGN luminosity with decreasing separation, suggesting that mergers may have contributed to triggering more luminous AGN. Through X-ray/mid-IR ratio versus X-ray colours, we estimated a fraction of Compton-thin AGN (with 1022 cm−2 < N H < 1024 cm−2) of about 80 per cent, while about 16 per cent are Compton-thick sources (with N H > 1024 cm−2). These fractions of obscured sources are larger than those found in samples of isolated AGN, confirming that pairs of AGN show higher obscuration. This trend is further confirmed by comparing the de-reddened [O  iii ] emission with the observed X-ray luminosity. However, the derived fraction of Compton-thick sources in this sample at the early stages of merging is lower than that reported for late-merging dual-AGN samples. Comparing N H from X-rays with that derived from E (B − V) from narrow-line regions, we found that the absorbing material is likely to be associated with the torus or broad-line regions. We also explored the X-ray detection efficiency of dual-AGN candidates, finding that, when observed properly (at on-axis positions and with long exposures), X-ray data represent a powerful way to confirm and investigate dual-AGN systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OJ 287 is a BL Lacertae type quasar in which the active galactic nucleus (AGN) outshines the host galaxy by an order of magnitude. The only exception to this may be at minimum light when the AGN activity is so low that the host galaxy may make quite a considerable contribution to the photometric intensity of the source. Such a dip or a fade in the intensity of OJ 287 occurred in 2017 November, when its brightness was about 1.75 mag lower than the recent mean level. We compare the observations of this fade with similar fades in OJ 287 observed earlier in 1989, 1999, and 2010. It appears that there is a relatively strong reddening of the B − V colours of OJ 287 when its V -band brightness drops below magnitude 17. Similar changes are also seen in V − R ,  V − I , and R − I colours during these deep fades. These data support the conclusion that the total magnitude of the host galaxy is V  = 18.0 ± 0.3, corresponding to MK  = −26.5 ± 0.3 in the K -band. This is in agreement with the results, obtained using the integrated surface brightness method, from recent surface photometry of the host. These results should encourage us to use the colour separation method also in other host galaxies with strongly variable AGN. In the case of OJ 287, both the host galaxy and its central black hole are among the biggest known, and its position in the black hole mass–galaxy mass diagram lies close to the mean correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report results from our ongoing project MOMO (Multiwavelength Observations and Modelling of OJ 287). In this latest publication of a sequence, we combine our Swift UVOT–XRT and Effelsberg radio data (2.6–44 GHz) between 2019 and 2022.04 with public SMA data and gamma-ray data from the Fermi satellite. The observational epoch covers OJ 287 in a high state of activity from radio to X-rays. The epoch also covers two major events predicted by the binary supermassive black hole (SMBH) model of OJ 287. Spectral and timing analyses clearly establish: a new UV–optical minimum state in 2021 December at an epoch where the secondary SMBH is predicted to cross the disc surrounding the primary SMBH; an overall low level of gamma-ray activity in comparison to pre-2017 epochs; the presence of a remarkable, long-lasting UV–optical flare event of intermediate amplitude in 2020–2021; a high level of activity in the radio band with multiple flares; and particularly a bright, ongoing radio flare peaking in 2021 November that may be associated with a gamma-ray flare, the strongest in 6 yr. Several explanations for the UV–optical minimum state are explored, including the possibility that a secondary SMBH launches a temporary jet, but the observations are best explained by variability associated with the main jet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a comprehensive analysis of all XMM–Newton spectra of OJ 287 spanning 15 yr of X-ray spectroscopy of this bright blazar. We also report the latest results from our dedicated Swift UVOT and XRT monitoring of OJ 287, which started in 2015, along with all earlier public Swift data since 2005. During this time interval, OJ 287 was caught in extreme minima and outburst states. Its X-ray spectrum is highly variable and encompasses all states seen in blazars from very flat to exceptionally steep. The spectrum can be decomposed into three spectral components: Inverse Compton (IC) emission dominant at low-state, supersoft synchrotron emission that becomes increasingly dominant as OJ 287 brightens, and an intermediately-soft (Γx = 2.2) additional component seen at outburst. This last component extends beyond 10 keV and plausibly represents either a second synchrotron/IC component and/or a temporary disc corona of the primary supermassive black hole (SMBH). Our 2018 XMM–Newton observation, quasi-simultaneous with the Event Horizon Telescope observation of OJ 287, is well described by a two-component model with a hard IC component of Γx = 1.5 and a soft synchrotron component. Low-state spectra limit any long-lived accretion disc/corona contribution in X-rays to a very low value of L x/ L Edd < 5.6 × 10−4 (for M BH, primary = 1.8 × 1010 M⊙). Some implications for the binary SMBH model of OJ 287 are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The γ-ray-emitting galaxy SBS 0846+513 has been classified as a narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) from its spectroscopy, and on that basis would be thought likely to have a small central black hole hosted in a spiral galaxy. However, very few of the γ-ray NLS1s have high-resolution imaging of their hosts, so it is unknown how the morphology expectation holds up for the γ-emitting class. We have observed this galaxy in the J band with the Large Binocular Telescope's LUCI1 camera and the ARGOS adaptive optics system. We estimate its black hole mass to lie between |$4.2\times 10^7 \le \frac{\rm{\it{ M}}}{\text{M}_\odot } \le 9.7\times 10^7$|⁠ , using the correlation with bulge luminosity, or |$1.9\times 10^7 \le \frac{\rm{\it{ M}}}{\text{M}_\odot } \le 2.4\times 10^7$| using the correlation with Sérsic index. Our favoured estimate is 4.2 × 107 M⊙, putting its mass at the high end of the NLS1 range in general but consistent with others that are γ-ray emitters. These estimates are independent of the broad-line region viewing geometry and avoid any underestimates due to looking down the jet axis. Its host shows evidence of a bulge + disc structure, from the isophote shape and residual structure in the nuclear-subtracted image. This supports the idea that γ-ray NLS1 may be spiral galaxies, like their non-jetted counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broad Balmer emission lines in active galactic nuclei (AGN) may display dramatic changes in amplitude, even disappearance and re-appearance in some sources. As a nearby galaxy at a redshift of z = 0.0264, Mrk 590 suffered such a cycle of Seyfert type changes between 2006 and 2017. Over the last 50 yr, Mrk 590 also underwent a powerful continuum outburst and a slow fading from X-rays to radio wavelengths with a peak bolometric luminosity reaching about 10 per cent of the Eddington luminosity. To track its past accretion and ejection activity, we performed very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations with the European VLBI Network (EVN) at 1.6 GHz in 2015. The EVN observations reveal a faint (∼1.7 mJy) radio jet extending up to ∼2.8 mas (projected scale ∼1.4 pc) toward north, and probably resulting from the very intensive AGN activity. To date, such a parsec-scale jet is rarely seen in the known changing-look AGN. The finding of the faint jet provides further strong support for variable accretion as the origin of the type changes in Mrk 590. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3C 286 is a well-known calibrator source in radio astronomy. It is also one of very few compact steep-spectrum (CSS) sources detected in γ-rays. Here, we perform a detailed spectroscopic and variability analysis and present the first quasi-simultaneous optical to X-ray spectral energy distribution (SED) in order to reveal physical mechanisms that dominate its emission at different wavelengths, and arrive at a reliable optical source classification. The first main result of our study reveals several pitfalls when applying simple broad- or narrow-line Seyfert 1 (BLS1 or NLS1) classification criteria that only look at the [O  iii ]–Hβ complex. [O  iii ] and Hβ can be dominated by the same outflow components, in which case full width at half-maximum (Hβ) is no reliable classification criterion, and extinction by intrinsic or intervening material can make the highest velocity Hβ component undetectable. After careful combination of all information from ultraviolet (UV)–optical spectra along with multiwavelength data, we confirm that 3C 286 can be classified as NLS1 galaxy, with line properties and supermassive black hole mass (of order 108 M⊙ and accreting near the Eddington limit) close to the BLS1 regime, making it an important borderline object. The quasi-simultaneous SED taken with Swift shows a sharp rise in the optical–UV, implying the presence of a strong accretion-disc component with extreme UV excess, consistent with emission-line diagnostics. Finally, we report the discovery of X-ray variability of 3C 286, plausibly dominated by jet emission, and variable by at least a factor of ∼4. This result suggests to exercise caution when using 3C 286 as radio calibrator in high-resolution radio very long baseline interferometry observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiwavelength monitoring of Mrk 335 with Swift between 2007 and 2019 are used to construct annual spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and track year-to-year changes. Non-contemporaneous archival data prior to 2007 are used to build a bright state SED. In this work, the changes are examined and quantified to build the foundation for future SED modelling. The yearly SEDs trace a downward trend on the average, with the X-ray portion varying significantly and acquiring further lower values in the past two years when compared to the optical/UV portion of SED. The bolometric Eddington ratios derived using optical/UV to X-ray SEDs and the calculated X-ray luminosities show a gradual decrease over the monitoring period. Changes in the parameters over time are examined. Principal component analysis suggests that the primary variability is in the X-ray properties of Mrk 335. When looking at the broader picture of Mrk 335 and its behaviour, the X-rays, accounting most of the variability in the 13-yr data, are possibly driven by physical processes related to the corona or absorption whereas the modest optical–UV variations suggest their origin within the accretion disc. These results are consistent with the previous interpretation of Mrk 335 using the timing analyses on the monitoring data and spectral modelling of deep observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 335 was one of the X-ray brightest active galactic nuclei, but it has systematically faded since 2007. Aims. We report the discovery with Swift of a sequence of bright and rapid X-ray flare events that reveal the emergence of Mrk 335 from its ultra-deep multiyear low state. Methods. Results are based on our dedicated multiyear monitoring of Mrk 335 with Swift. Results. Unlike other bright active galactic nuclei, the optical–UV is generally not correlated with the X-rays in Mrk 335 on a timescale of days to months. This fact either implies the absence of a direct link between the two emission components; or else implies that the observed X-rays are significantly affected by (dust-free) absorption along our line of sight. The UV and optical, however, are closely correlated at the 99.99% confidence level. The UV is leading the optical by Δt = 1.5 ± 1.5 d. The Swift X-ray spectrum shows strong deviations from a single power law in all brightness states of the outbursts, indicating that significant absorption or reprocessing is taking place. Mrk 335 displays a softer-when-brighter variability pattern at intermediate X-ray count rates, which has been seen in our Swift data since 2007 (based on a total of 590 observations). This pattern breaks down at the highest and lowest count rates. Conclusions. We interpret the 2020 brightening of Mrk 335 as a decrease in column density and covering factor of a partial-covering absorber along our line of sight in the form of a clumpy accretion-disk wind that reveals an increasing portion of the intrinsic emission of Mrk 335 from the disk and/or corona region, while the optical emission-line regions receive a less variable spectral energy distribution. This then also explains why Mrk 335 was never seen to change its optical Seyfert type (not "changing look") despite its factor ∼50 X-ray variability with Swift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report detection of a very bright X-ray–UV–optical outburst of OJ 287 in 2020 April–June, the second brightest since the beginning of our Swift multiyear monitoring in late 2015. It is shown that the outburst is predominantly powered by jet emission. Optical–UV–X-rays are closely correlated, and the low-energy part of the XMM – Newton spectrum displays an exceptionally soft emission component consistent with a synchrotron origin. A much harder X-ray power-law component (Γx = 2.4, still relatively steep when compared to expectations from inverse Compton models) is detected out to 70 keV by NuSTAR. We find evidence for reprocessing around the Fe region, consistent with an absorption line. If confirmed, it implies matter in outflow at ∼0.1c. The multiyear Swift light curve shows multiple episodes of flaring or dipping with a total amplitude of variability of a factor of 10 in X-rays, and 15 in the optical–UV. The 2020 outburst observations are consistent with an after-flare predicted by the binary black hole model of OJ 287, where the disc impact of the secondary black hole triggers time-delayed accretion and jet activity of the primary black hole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present XMM–Newton, NuSTAR, Swift , and Hubble Space Telescope observations of the Narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 335 in a protracted low state in 2018 and 2019. The X-ray flux is at the lowest level so far observed, and the extremely low continuum flux reveals a host of soft X-ray emission lines from photoionized gas. The simultaneous UV flux drop suggests that the variability is intrinsic to the source, and we confirm this with broad-band X-ray spectroscopy. The dominance of the soft X-ray lines at low energies and distant reflection at high energies, is therefore due to the respective emission regions being located far enough from the X-ray source that they have not yet seen the flux drop. Between the two XMM–Newton spectra, taken 6 months apart, the emission line ratio in the O  vii triplet changes drastically. We attribute this change to a drop in the ionization of intervening warm absorption, which means that the absorber must cover a large fraction of the line emitting region, and extend much further from the black hole than previously assumed. The HST spectrum, taken in 2018, shows that new absorption features have appeared on the blue wings of C  iii *, Ly α, N  v , Si  iv , and C  iv , likely due to absorbing gas cooling in response to the low flux state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As hybrids of narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies and blazars, γ-ray emitting NLS1s are important probes of jet physics in the high Eddington-ratio regime. Only very few of them are known to date; the majority of them below redshift |$z$| = 0.5. Here, we present the identification of the γ-ray emitting AGN TXS 0943+105 (SDSS J094635.06+101706.1) as a high-redshift NLS1 galaxy. It turns out to be one of the radio-loudest NLS1s known, highly variable at all wavelengths, and shows widely extended radio emission at a (projected) >100 kpc scale. It is a known strong γ-ray emitter with a luminous flare reported previously. At redshift |$z$| = 1.004, this is the most distant γ-NLS1 known to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tidal disruption of a star by a nuclear supermassive black hole was predicted in the 1970s and first confirmed by soft X‐ray flares seen from quiescent galaxies in the ROSAT all‐sky survey. We report here on the discovery of a new candidate tidal disruption event, 1RXS J075908.8 + 074835, from the ROSAT bright source catalog, which faded by a factor > 100 in 20 years. Similar events have continued to be found in XMM‐Newton and Chandra data and more recently, flares in large‐area hard X‐ray, ultraviolet (UV) and optical transient surveys have also been attributed to the same phenomenon. Each of these spectral components, sometimes complemented by radio and IR activity, have their own timescale and possibly physical mechanism. Current models and simulations revolve around trying to explain how the energy released by the fall back of stellar debris in the gravitational well of the black hole is converted into radiation in each wave band. We look at the connection between optical, UV, and X‐ray emission and illustrate a dichotomy between X‐ray and optically dominated tidal disruption event (TDE), which is currently unexplained. We look at the observations that are needed to make further breakthroughs in the field and assess the optimum follow‐up strategies needed for events discovered in future large survey missions such as extended Roentgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array (eROSITA), the Einstein Probe, and Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST). HIgh‐energy LIght‐curve GeneraTor (HILIGT), a useful new tool for comparing fluxes and upper limits between missions, is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A triggered |$140{\rm \, ks}$| XMM–Newton observation of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) Mrk 335 in 2015 December caught the active galaxy at its lowest X-ray flux since 2007. The NLS1 is relatively quiescent for the first |${\sim }120{\rm \, ks}$| of the observation before it flares in brightness by a factor of about five in the last |$20{\rm \, ks}$|⁠. Although only part of the flare is captured before the observation is terminated, the data reveal significant differences between the flare and quiescent phases. During the low-flux state, Mrk 335 demonstrates a reflection-dominated spectrum that results from a compact corona around a Kerr black hole. In addition to the rapid brightening, the flare is further described by spectral softening and a falling reflection fraction that are consistent with previous observations advocating at least part of the corona in Mrk 335 could be the base of an aborted jet. The spectrum during the flaring interval reveals several residuals between the 2σ and 3σ level that could be attributed to absorption lines from a highly ionized plasma that is moving outwards at |$v$| ∼ 0.12 c. It could be that the increased luminosity during the flare enhances the radiation pressure sufficiently to launch a possible wind. If the wind is indeed responding to the change in corona luminosity then it must be located within |${\sim }80{\, r_{\rm g}}$|⁠. The escape velocity at this distance is comparable to the estimated wind velocity. If confirmed, this is the first example of a radio-quiet active galactic nucleus exhibiting behaviour consistent with both diffuse and collimated outflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present simultaneous XMM–Newton and NuSTAR observations of the repeat changing-look AGN NGC 1566, which dramatically increased in brightness in the IR to X-ray bands in 2018. The broad-band X-ray spectrum was taken at the peak of the outburst and is typical of Seyfert 1 AGN. The spectrum shows a soft excess, Compton hump, warm absorption and reflection, ruling out tidal disruption as the cause of the outburst and demonstrating that a 'standard' accretion disk can develop very rapidly. The high-resolution grating spectrum reveals that the outburst has launched a ∼500 km s−1 outflow, and shows photoionized emission lines from rest-frame gas. We discuss possible mechanisms for the outburst, and conclude that it is most likely caused by a disk instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a sample of ∼ 80 local (0.02 ≤  |$z$|  ≤ 0.1) Seyfert-1 galaxies with high-quality long-slit Keck spectra and spatially resolved stellar-velocity dispersion (σ⋆) measurements, we study the profile of the [O  iii ]λ5007 Å emission line to test the validity of using its width as a surrogate for σ⋆. Such an approach has often been used in the literature, since it is difficult to measure σ⋆ for type-1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) due to the AGN continuum outshining the stellar-absorption lines. Fitting the [O  iii ] line with a single Gaussian or Gauss–Hermite polynomials overestimates σ⋆ by 50–100 per cent. When line asymmetries from non-gravitational gas motion are excluded in a double Gaussian fit, the average ratio between the core [O  iii ] width (σ[O  iii ], D) and σ⋆ is ∼ 1, but with individual data points off by up to a factor of two. The resulting black-hole-mass–σ[O  iii ], D relation scatters around that of quiescent galaxies and reverberation-mapped AGNs. However, a direct comparison between σ⋆ and σ[O  iii ], D shows no close correlation, only that both quantities have the same range, average, and standard deviation, probably because they feel the same gravitational potential. The large scatter is likely due to the fact that line profiles are a luminosity-weighted average, dependent on the light distribution and underlying kinematic field. Within the range probed by our sample (80–260 km s−1), our results strongly caution against the use of [O  iii ] width as a surrogate for σ⋆ on an individual basis. Even though our sample consists of radio-quiet AGNs, FIRST radio-detected objects have, on average, a ∼ 10 per cent larger [O  iii ] core width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the canonical model for tidal disruption events (TDEs), the stellar debris circularizes quickly to form an accretion disc of size about twice the orbital pericentre of the star. Most TDEs and candidates discovered in the optical/ultraviolet have broad optical emission lines with complex and diverse profiles of puzzling origin. Liu et al. recently developed a relativistic elliptical disc model of constant eccentricity in radius for the broad optical emission lines of TDEs and well reproduced the double-peaked line profiles of the TDE candidate PTF09djl with a large and extremely eccentric accretion disc. In this paper, we show that the optical emission lines of the TDE ASASSN-14li with radically different profiles are well modelled with the relativistic elliptical disc model, too. The accretion disc of ASASSN-14li has an eccentricity 0.97 and semimajor axis of 847 times the Schwarzschild radius (r S) of the black hole (BH). It forms as the consequence of tidal disruption of a star passing by a massive BH with orbital pericentre 25 r S. The optical emission lines of ASASSN-14li are powered by an extended X-ray source of flat radial distribution overlapping the bulk of the accretion disc and the single-peaked asymmetric line profiles are mainly due to the orbital motion of the emitting matter within the disc plane of inclination about 26° and of pericentre orientation closely toward the observer. Our results suggest that modelling the complex line profiles is powerful in probing the structures of accretion discs and coronal X-ray sources in TDEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on an optical (SDSS) and X-ray (XMM- Newton) study of an optically selected sample of four dual AGN systems at projected separations of 30–60 kpc. All sources are detected in the X-ray band (0.3–10keV); seven objects are optically identified as Seyfert, while one source, optically classified as a low-ionization nuclear emission-line region (LINER), is likely powered by accretion in virtue of its relatively high X-ray luminosity (1.2 × 1041 erg s−1). Six of the eight objects are obscured in X-rays with N H ≥ 1023 cm−2; three of these, whose X-ray spectrum is dominated by a reflection component, are likely Compton-thick (N H ≥ 1024 cm−2). This finding is in agreement with the hypothesis that galaxy encounters are effective in driving gas inflow toward the nuclear region, thus increasing the obscuration. We compare the absorption properties in our dual AGN with those in larger samples observed in X-rays but selected in different ways (optical, IR, and hard X-rays). We find that the obscured (N H ≥ 1022 cm−2) AGN fraction within the larger sample is 84 ± 4 per cent (taking into account the 90 per cent error on the N H measure) up to large pair separations (∼100 kpc). This is statistically higher than the fraction of obscured AGN in isolated galaxies found in X-ray surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present four radio-loud narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies with extreme emission-line shifts, indicating radial outflow velocities of the ionized gas of up to 2450 km s-1, above the escape velocity of the host galaxies. The forbidden lines show strong broadening, up to 2270 kms-1. An ionization stratification (higher line shift at higher ionization potential) implies that we see a large-scale outflow rather than single, localized jet--cloud interactions. Similarly, the paucity of zero-velocity [OIII] λ5007 emitting gas implies the absence of a second narrow-line region (NLR) component at rest, and therefore a large part of the high- ionization NLR is affected by the outflow. Given the radio loudness of these NLS1 galaxies, the observations are consistent with a pole on view onto their central engines, so that the effects of polar outflows are maximized. In addition, a very efficient driving mechanism is required to reach the high observed velocities. We explore implications from recent hydrodynamic simulations of the interaction between fast winds or jets with the large-scale NLR. Overall, the best agreement with observations (and especially the high outflow speeds of the [NeV] emitting gas) can be reached if the NLS1 galaxies are relatively young sources with lifetimes not much exceeding 1 Myr. These systems represent sites of strong feedback at NLR scales at work, well below redshift one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the identification of a new γ-ray-emitting narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxy, SDSS J211852.96-073227.5 (hereinafter J2118-0732). The galaxy, at a redshift of 0.26, is associated with a radio source of flat/inverted spectrum at high radio frequencies. The analysis of its optical spectrum obtained in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) revealed a small linewidth of the broad component of the Hβ line (full width at half-maximum = 1585 kms-1), making it a radio-loud NLS1 galaxy -- an intriguing class of active galactic nuclei with exceptional multiwavelength properties. A new γ-ray source centred at J2118-0732 was sporadically detected during 2009-2013 in form of flares by the Fermi-LAT. Our XMM--Newton observations revealed a flat X-ray spectrum described by a simple power law, and a flux variation by a factor of ~2.5 in five months. The source also shows intraday variability in the infrared band. Its broad-band spectral energy distribution can be modelled by emission from a simple one-zone leptonic jet model, and the flux drop from infrared to X-rays in five months can be explained by changes of the jet parameters, though the exact values may be subject to relatively large uncertainties. With the NLS1-blazar composite nucleus, the clear detection of the host galaxy, and the synchronous variations in the multiwavelength fluxes, J2118-0732 provides a new perspective on the formation and evolution of relativistic jets under the regime of relatively small black hole masses and high accretion rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a summary of XMM-Newton highlights on stellar tidal disruption events. First found with ROSAT, ongoing and upcoming sky surveys will detect these events in the thousands. In X-rays, tidal disruption events (TDEs) provide us with powerful new probes of accretion physics under extreme conditions and on short timescales and of relativistic effects near the super-massive black holes (SMBHs), of the formation and evolution of disk winds near or above the Eddington limit, and of the processes of high-energy emission from newly launched radio jets. TDEs serve as signposts of the presence of dormant single black holes at the cores of galaxies, and of binary black holes as well, since TDE lightcurves are characteristically different in the latter case. XMM-Newton has started to contribute to all of these topics, and a rich discovery space is opening up in the next decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the detection of high-amplitude X-ray flaring of the AGN HE 1136-2304, which is accompanied by a strong increase in the flux of the broad Balmer lines, changing its Seyfert type from almost type 2 in 1993 down to 1.5 in 2014. HE 1136-2304 was detected by the XMM-Newton slew survey at >10 times the flux it had in the ROSAT all-sky survey, and confirmed with Swift follow-up after increasing in X-ray flux by a factor of ~30. Optical spectroscopy with SALT shows that the AGN has changed from a Seyfert 1.95 to a Seyfert 1.5 galaxy, with greatly increased broad line emission and an increase in blue continuum AGN flux by a factor of >4. The X-ray spectra from XMM-Newton and NuSTAR reveal moderate intrinsic absorption and a high energy cutoff at ~100 keV. We consider several different physical scenarios for a flare, such as changes in obscuring material, tidal disruption events, and an increase in the accretion rate. We find that the most likely cause of the increased flux is an increase in the accretion rate, although it could also be due to a change in obscuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

XMM-Newton performs a survey of the sky in the 0.2-12 keV X-ray band while slewing between observation targets. The sensitivity in the soft X-ray band is comparable with that of the ROSAT all-sky survey, allowing bright transients to be identified in near real-time by a comparison of the flux in both surveys. Several of the soft X-ray flares are coincident with galaxy nuclei and five of these have been interpreted as candidate tidal disruption events (TDE). The first three discovered had a soft X-ray spectrum, consistent with the classical model of TDE, where radiation is released during the accretion phase by thermal processes. The remaining two have an additional hard, power-law component, which in only one case was accompanied by radio emission. Overall the flares decay with the classical index of t−5/3 but vary greatly in the early phase. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A small fraction of Tidal Disruption Events (TDE) produce relativistic jets, evidenced by their non-thermal X-ray spectra and transient radio emission. Here we present milliarcsecond-resolution imaging results on TDE J1644+5734 with the European VLBI Network (EVN). These provide a strong astrometric constraint on the average apparent jet velocity βapp < 0.27, that constrains the intrinsic jet velocity for a given viewing angle. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies provide us with unique insights into the drivers of AGN activity under extreme conditions. Given their low black hole (BH) masses and near-Eddington accretion rates, they represent a class of galaxies with rapidly growing supermassive BHs in the local universe. Here, we present the results from our multi-frequency radio monitoring of a sample of γ-ray loud NLS1 galaxies (γNLS1s), including systems discovered only recently, and featuring both the nearest and the most distant γNLS1s known to date. We also present high-resolution radio imaging of 1H 0323+342, which is remarkable for its spiral or ring-like host. Finally, we present new radio data of the candidate γ-emitting NLS1 galaxy RX J2314.9+2243, characterized by a very steep radio spectrum, unlike other γNLS1s. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In hierarchical structure formation scenarios, merging galaxies are expected to be seen in different phases of their coalescence. Simulations suggest that simultaneous activity of the supermassive black holes (SMBHs) in the centres of the merging galaxies may be expected at kpc-scale separations. Currently, there are no direct observational methods which allow the selection of a large number of such dual active galactic nuclei (AGN) candidates. SDSS J142507.32+323137.4 was reported as a promising candidate source based on its optical spectrum. Here we report on our sensitive e-MERLIN observations performed at 1.6 and at 5 GHz, which show that the optical spectrum of the source can be more straightforwardly explained with jet–cloud interactions instead of the dual AGN scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies are thought to be young AGNs with relatively small black hole masses and high accretion rates. Radio-loud narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (RLNLS1s) are very special, because some of them show blazar-like characteristics, while others resemble compact steep-spectrum sources. Relativistic jets were shown to exist in a few RLNLS1s based on VLBI observations and confirmed by the gamma-ray flaring of some of them. These properties may possibly be contrary to typical radio-loud AGNs, in light of the low black-hole masses, and high accretion rates. We present the compact radio structure of fourteen RLNLS1 galaxies from Very Long Baseline Array observations at 5 GHz in 2013. Although all these sources are very radio-loud with R > 100, their jet properties are diverse, in terms of their milliarcsecond (mas) scale (pc scale) morphology and their overall radio spectral shape. The core brightness temperatures of our sources are significantly lower than those of blazars, therefore, the beaming effect is generally not significant in our sources, compared to blazars. This implies that the bulk jet speed may likely be low in our sources. The relationship between RLNLS1s and compact steep-spectrum sources, and the implications on jet formation are discussed based on the pc-scale jet properties. (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of the narrow line Seyfert 1 galaxy Markarian 335 (Mrk 335) with the Swift satellite discovered an X-ray flare beginning 2014 August 29. At the peak, the 0.5-5 keV count rate had increased from that in the low-flux state by a factor of 10. A target of opportunity observation was triggered with NuSTAR, catching the decline of the flare on 2014 September 20. We present a joint analysis of Swift and NuSTAR observations to understand the cause of this flare. The X-ray spectrum shows an increase in directly observed continuum flux and the softening of the continuum spectrum to a photon index of 2.49-0.07+0.08 compared to the previous low-flux observations. The X-ray spectrum remains well described by the relativistically blurred reflection of the continuum from the accretion disc whose emissivity profile suggests that it is illuminated by a compact X-ray source, extending at most 5.2 rg over the disc. A very low reflection fraction of 0.41-0.15+0.15 is measured, unexpected for such a compact corona. The X-ray flare is, hence, interpreted as arising from the vertical collimation and ejection of the X-ray emitting corona at a mildly relativistic velocity, causing the continuum emission to be beamed away from the disc. As the flare subsides, the base of this jet-like structure collapses into a compact X-ray source that provides the majority of the radiation that illuminates the disc while continuum emission is still detected from energetic particles further out, maintaining the low reflection fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the identification of a new Υ -ray-emitting narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxy, SDSS J122222.55+041315.7, which increases the number of known objects of this remarkable but rare type of active galactic nuclei to seven. Its optical spectrum, obtained in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey-Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey, reveals a broad H β emission line with a width (FWHM) of 1734 ± 104 km s-1. This, along with strong optical Fe II multiplets [R4570 = 0.9] and a weak [O III] λ5007 emission line, makes the object a typical NLS1. On the other hand, the source exhibits a high radio brightness temperature, rapid infrared variability, and a flat X-ray spectrum extending up to ~200 keV. It is associated with a luminous Υ -ray source detected significantly with Fermi/LAT. Correlated variability with other wavebands has not yet been tested. The spectral energy distribution can be well modelled by a one-zone leptonic jet model. This new member is by far the most distant Υ -ray-emitting NLS1, at a redshift of z = 0.966. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a multiwavelength study of a newly discovered compact group (CG), SDSS J0959+1259, based data from XMM-Newton, Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and the Calar Alto optical imager BUSCA. With a maximum velocity offset of 500 km s-1, a mean redshift of 0.035, and a mean spatial extension of 480 kpc, this CG is exceptional in having the highest concentration of nuclear activity in the local Universe, established with a sensitivity limit LX > 4 × 1040 erg s-1 in 2-10 keV band and R-band magnitude MR < -19. The group is composed of two type-2 Seyferts, one type-1 Seyfert, two LINERs and three star-forming galaxies. Given the high X-ray luminosity of LINERs which reaches ~1041 erg s-1, it is likely that they are also accretion driven, bringing the number of active nuclei in this group to five out of eight (AGN fraction of 60 per cent). The distorted shape of one member of the CG suggests that strong interactions are taking place among its galaxies through tidal forces. Therefore, this system represents a case study for physical mechanisms that trigger nuclear activity and star formation in CGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. With the current study we aim at understanding the properties of radio emission and the assumed jet from four radio-loud and γ-ray-loud narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies that have been detected by Fermi. These are Seyfert 1 galaxies with emission lines at the low end of the FWHM distribution. Aims. The ultimate goal is twofold: first we investigate whether a relativistic jet is operating at the source producing the radio output, and second, we quantify the jet characteristics to understand possible similarities with and differences from the jets found in typical blazars. Methods. We relied on the most systematic monitoring of radio-loud and γ-ray-detected narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies in the cm and mm radio bands conducted with the Effelsberg 100 m and IRAM 30 m telescopes. It covers the longest time-baselines and the most radio frequencies to date. This dataset of multi-wavelength, long-term radio light-curves was analysed from several perspectives. We developed a novel algorithm to extract sensible variability parameters (mainly amplitudes and time scales) that were then used to compute variability brightness temperatures and the corresponding Doppler factors. The jet powers were computed from the light curves to estimate the energy output and compare it with that of typical blazars. The dynamics of radio spectral energy distributions were examined to understand the mechanism causing the variability. Results. The length of the available light curves for three of the four sources in the sample allowed a firm understanding of the general behaviour of the sources. They all display intensive variability that appears to be occurring at a pace rather faster than what is commonly seen in blazars. The flaring events become progressively more prominent as the frequency increases and show intensive spectral evolution that is indicative of shock evolution. The variability brightness temperatures and the associated Doppler factors are moderate, implying a mildly relativistic jet. The computed jet powers show very energetic flows. The radio polarisation in one case clearly implies a quiescent jet underlying recursive flaring activity. Finally, in one case, the sudden disappearance of a γ-ray flare below some critical frequency in our band needs a more detailed investigation of the possible mechanism causing the evolution of broadband events. Conclusions. Despite the generally lower flux densities, the sources appear to show all typical characteristics seen in blazars that are powered by relativistic jets, such as intensive variability, spectral evolution across the different bands following evolutionary paths explained by travelling shocks, and Doppler factors indicating mildly relativistic speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. Radio-loud narrow-line type 1 galaxies provide us with a fresh look at the blazar phenomenon, the causes of radio loudness, and the physics of jet formation. We present a multi-wavelength study of the radio-loud narrow-line type 1 quasar RX J2314.9+2243, which exhibits some remarkable multi-wavelength properties. It is among the few radio-loud narrow-line type 1 galaxies, with a tentative γ-ray detection, is luminous in the infrared, and shows an exceptionally broad and blueshifted [OIII]λ5007 emission-line component. Methods. In order to understand the nature of this source, we have obtained optical, UV, X-ray, and radio observations of RX J2314.9+2243. Results. Its spectral energy distribution (SED) shows a broad hump extending between the IR and far-UV, a steep radio spectrum and flat X-ray spectrum. Its IR to far-UV SED is consistent with a scenario, in which synchrotron emission from a jet dominates the broadband emission, even though an absorption scenario cannot yet be fully excluded. The high blueshift of its very broad [OIII] component, 1260 km s-1, is consistent with a face-on view, with the jet (and outflow) pointing towards us. RX J2314.9+2243 likely represents an extreme case of AGN induced feedback in the local universe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the deepest X-ray observation of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 335 in the low-flux state obtained with Suzaku. The data are compared to a 2006 high-flux Suzaku observation when the source was ∼10 times brighter. Describing the two flux levels self-consistently with partial covering models would require extreme circumstances, as the source would be subject to negligible absorption during the bright state and 95 per cent covering with near Compton-thick material when dim. Blurred reflection from an accretion disc around a nearly maximum spinning black hole (a > 0.91, with preference for a spin parameter as high as ∼0.995) appears more likely and is consistent with the long-term and rapid variability. Measurements of the emissivity profile and spectral modelling indicate the high-flux Suzaku observation of Mrk 335 is consistent with continuum-dominated, jet-like emission (i.e. beamed away from the disc). It can be argued that the ejecta must be confined to within ∼ 25rg if it does not escape the system. During the low-flux state, the corona becomes compact and only extends to about 5rg from the black hole, and the spectrum becomes reflection dominated. The low-frequency lags measured at both epochs are comparable indicating that the accretion mechanism is not changing between the two flux levels. Various techniques to study the spectral variability (e.g. principal component analysis, fractional variability, difference spectra, and hardness ratio analysis) indicate that the low-state variability is dominated by changes in the power-law flux and photon index, but that changes in the ionization state of the reflector are also required. Most notably, the ionization parameter becomes inversely correlated with the reflected flux after a long-duration flare-like event during the observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present two new XMM–Newton observations of an unprecedented low-flux state in the Seyfert 1 Mrk 1048 (NGC 985), taken in 2013. The X-ray flux below 1 keV drops by a factor of 4–5, whereas the spectrum above 5 keV is essentially unchanged. This points towards an absorption origin for the low state, and we confirm this with spectral fitting, finding that the spectral differences can be well modelled by the addition of a partial covering neutral absorber, with a column density of ∼3 × 1022 cm−2 and a covering fraction of ∼0.6. The optical and UV fluxes are not affected, and indeed are marginally brighter in the more recent observations, suggesting that only the inner regions of the disc are affected by the absorption event. This indicates either that the absorption is due to a cloud passing over the inner disc, obscuring the X-ray source but leaving the outer disc untouched, or that the absorber is dust-free so the UV continuum is unaffected. We use arguments based on the duration of the event and the physical properties of the absorber to constrain its size and location, and conclude that it is most likely a small cloud at ∼1018 cm from the source. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We present 3–50 keV NuSTAR observations of the active galactic nuclei Mrk 335 in a very low flux state. The spectrum is dominated by very strong features at the energies of the iron line at 5–7 keV and Compton hump from 10–30 keV. The source is variable during the observation, with the variability concentrated at low energies, which suggesting either a relativistic reflection or a variable absorption scenario. In this work, we focus on the reflection interpretation, making use of new relativistic reflection models that self consistently calculate the reflection fraction, relativistic blurring and angle-dependent reflection spectrum for different coronal heights to model the spectra. We find that the spectra can be well fitted with relativistic reflection, and that the lowest flux state spectrum is described by reflection alone, suggesting the effects of extreme light-bending occurring within ∼2 gravitational radii (RG) of the event horizon. The reflection fraction decreases sharply with increasing flux, consistent with a point source moving up to above 10 RG as the source brightens. We constrain the spin parameter to greater than 0.9 at the 3σ confidence level. By adding a spin-dependent upper limit on the reflection fraction to our models, we demonstrate that this can be a powerful way of constraining the spin parameter, particularly in reflection dominated states. We also calculate a detailed emissivity profile for the iron line, and find that it closely matches theoretical predictions for a compact source within a few RG of the black hole. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We present adaptive optics-assisted J- and K-band integral field spectroscopy of the inner 300 × 300 pc of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1068. The data were obtained with the Gemini Near-infrared Integral-Field Spectrograph integral field unit spectrometer, which provided us with high-spatial and high-spectral resolution sampling. The wavelength range covered by the observations allowed us to study the [Ca viii], [Si vi], [Si vii], [Al ix] and [S ix] coronal line (CL) emission, covering ionization potentials up to 328 eV. The observations reveal very rich and complex structures, both in terms of velocity fields and emission-line ratios. The CL emission is elongated along the NE–SW direction, with the stronger emission preferentially localized to the NE of the nucleus. CLs are emitted by gas covering a wide range of velocities, with maximum blueshifts/redshifts of ∼ −1600/1000 km s−1. There is a trend for the gas located on the NE side of the nucleus to be blueshifted while the gas located towards the SW is redshifted. The morphology and the kinematics of the near-infrared CLs are in very good agreement with the ones displayed by low-ionization lines and optical CLs, suggesting a common origin. The line flux distributions, velocity maps, ionization structure (traced by the [Si vii]/[Si vi] emission-line ratio) and low-ionization emission-line ratios (i.e. [Fe ii]/Paβ and [Fe ii]/[P ii]) suggest that the radio jet plays an important role in the structure of the CL region of this object, and possibly in its kinematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the discovery of an outflowing ionized wind in the Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 335. Despite having been extensively observed by most of the largest X-ray observatories in the last decade, this bright source was not known to host warm absorber gas until recent XMM-Newton observations in combination with a long-term Swift monitoring program have shown extreme flux and spectral variability. High-resolution spectra obtained by the XMM-Newton Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) detector reveal that the wind consists of three distinct ionization components, all outflowing at a velocity of ~5000 km s-1>. This wind is clearly revealed when the source is observed at an intermediate flux state (2-5 × 10-12 erg cm-2 s-1). The analysis of multi-epoch RGS spectra allowed us to compare the absorber properties at three very different flux states of the source. No correlation between the warm absorber variability and the X-ray flux has been determined. The two higher ionization components of the gas (log ξ ~ 2.3 and 3.3) may be consistent with photoionization equilibrium, but we can exclude this for the only ionization component that is consistently present in all flux states (log ξ ~ 1.8). We have included archival, non-simultaneous UV data from Hubble Space Telescope (FOS, STIS, COS) with the aim of searching for any signature of absorption in this source that so far was known for being absorption-free in the UV band. In the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) spectra obtained a few months after the X-ray observations, we found broad absorption in Civ lines intrinsic to the active galactic nucleus and blueshifted by a velocity roughly comparable to the X-ray outflow. The global behavior of the gas in both bands can be explained by variation of the covering factor and/or column density, possibly due to transverse motion of absorbing clouds moving out of the line of sight at broad line region scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a long-term monitoring campaign of Mrk 335, deep XMM–Newton observations catch the narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy (NLS1) in a complex, intermediate flux interval as the active galaxy is transiting from low to high flux. Other works on these same data examined the general behaviour of the NLS1 and the conditions of its warm absorber. The analysis presented here demonstrates the X-ray continuum and timing properties can be described in a self-consistent manner adopting a blurred reflection model without any need to invoke partial covering. The rapid spectral variability appears to be driven by changes in the shape of the primary emitter that is illuminating the inner accretion disc around a rapidly spinning black hole (a > 0.7). While light bending is certainly prominent, the rather constant emissivity profile and break radius obtained in our spectral fitting suggest that the blurring parameters do not change as would be expected if the primary source varies its distance from the disc. Instead changes could be intrinsic to the power-law component. One possibility is that material in an unresolved jet above the disc falls to combine with material at the base of the jet producing the changes in the primary emitter (spectral slope and flux) without changing its distance from the disc. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We present an analysis of Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS)/ Hubble Space Telescope optical spectra of a sample of 10 Seyfert galaxies aimed at studying the structure and physical properties of the coronal-line region (CLR). The high spatial resolution provided by STIS allowed us to resolve the CLR and obtain key information about the kinematics of the CL gas, measure directly its spatial scale, and study the mechanisms that drive the high-ionization lines. We find CLRs extending from just a few parsecs ( pc) up to 230 pc in radius, consistent with the bulk of the coronal lines (CLs) originating between the broad-line region and narrow-line region (NLR), and extending into the NLR in the case of [Fe vii] and [Ne v] lines. The CL profiles strongly vary with the distance to the nucleus. We observed line splitting in the core of some of the galaxies. Line peak shifts, both redshift and blueshift, typically reached 500 km s−1, and even higher velocities (1000 km s−1) in some of the galaxies. In general, CLs follow the same pattern of rotation curves as low-ionization lines like [O iii]. From a direct comparison between the radio and the CL emission we find that neither the strength nor the kinematics of the CLs scales in any obvious and strong way with the radio jets. Moreover, the similarity of the flux distributions and kinematics of the CLs and low-ionization lines, the low temperatures derived for the gas, and the success of photoionization models to reproduce, within a factor of a few, the observed line ratios, point towards photoionization as the main driving mechanism of CLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galaxies with low-mass black holes and high accretion rates, i.e., narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies, are important objects when addressing the issues of black hole growth and evolution, and of feeding and feedback. We have studied a sample of such objects, and find (1) that the locus of NLS1 galaxies on the MBH–σ plane appears to follow the relation of non-active galaxies after removing objects obviously dominated by outflows, (2) the presence of “blue outliers” that hint at extreme outflows as predicted by recent merger models, and (3) more subtle evidence for winds/outflows across the whole NLS1 population. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We present a study of HST/STIS optical spectra of a sample of ten Seyfert galaxies aimed at analyzing the structure and physical properties of the coronal line region. The high spatial resolution provided by STIS (about 7 pc for the closest objects) allowed us to resolve the coronal line region and obtain key information about the kinematics of the coronal-line gas, measure directly its spatial scale, and study the mechanisms that drive the high-ionization lines. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]