Back to Search
Start Over
The X-ray variation of M81* resolved by Chandra and NuSTAR.
- Source :
-
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society . Jun2023, Vol. 522 Issue 2, p2644-2654. 11p. - Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Despite advances in our understanding of low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (LLAGNs), the fundamental details about the mechanisms of radiation and flare/outburst in hot accretion flow are still largely missing. We have systematically analysed the archival Chandra and NuSTAR X-ray data of the nearby LLAGN M81*, whose L bol ∼ 10−5 L Edd. Through a detailed study of X-ray light curve and spectral properties, we find that the X-ray continuum emission of the power-law shape more likely originates from inverse Compton scattering within the hot accretion flow. In contrast to Sgr A*, flares are rare in M81*. Low-amplitude variation can only be observed in soft X-ray band (amplitude usually ≲2). Several simple models are tested, including sinusoidal-like and quasi-periodical. Based on a comparison of the dramatic differences of flare properties among Sgr A*, M31*, and M81*, we find that, when the differences in both the accretion rate and the black hole mass are considered, the flares in LLAGNs can be understood universally in a magnetohydrodynamical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00358711
- Volume :
- 522
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 163749045
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stad1080