The Spectral Energy Distributions of Narrow-line Seyfert 1 Galaxies

Narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies are identified by their uniform optical spectral properties. Studies of samples of NLS1s reveal, however, a range of X-ray spectral and variability behavior, and UV spectral behavior. We describe the range of behavior observed, illustrating with a comparison of the XMM-Newton and HST data from the NLS1s 1H0707-495 and TonS180, and discuss how the spectral energy distribution may causally link the UV and X-ray properties.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures, 1 color figure, invited contribution for the conference "Stellar-mass, Intermediate-mass, and Supermassive Black Holes", held in Kyoto, Japan, October 28-31, 2003, to be published in Progress of Theoretical Physics Supplemen

Investigating the Extraordinary X-Ray Variability of the Infrared Quasar IRAS 13349+2439

We observed the luminous quasar IRAS 13349+2439 using RXTE (X Ray Timing Explorer) in order to search for rapid variability. Unfortunately, the source was in a low state during the observation (PCA count rate approximately 1 - 2 counts/s). It was therefore somewhat weak for RXTE and detailed analysis proved to be difficult

Variability and Spectral Studies of Luminous Seyfert 1 Galaxy Fairall 9. Search for the Reflection Component is a Quasar: RXTE and ASCA Observation of a Nearby Radio-Quiet Quasar MR 2251-178

Monitoring observations with interval of 3 days using RXTE (X Ray Timing Explorer) of the luminous Seyfert 1 galaxy Fairall 9 were performed for one year. The purpose of the observations were to study the variability of Fairall 9 and compare the results with those from the radio-loud object 3C 390.3. The data has been received and analysis is underway, using the new background model. An observation of the quasar MR 2251-178 was made in order to determine whether or not it has a reflection component. Older background models gave an unacceptable subtraction and analysis is underway using the new background model. The observation of NGC 6300 showed that the X-ray spectrum from this Seyfert 2 galaxy appears to be dominated by Compton reflection

The Binary Black Hole Model for Mrk 231 Bites the Dust

Mrk 231 is a nearby quasar with an unusually red near-UV-to-optical continuum, generally explained as heavy reddening by dust (e.g., Leighly et al. 2014). Yan et al. 2015 proposed that Mrk~231 is a milli-parsec black-hole binary with little intrinsic reddening. We show that if the observed FUV continuum is intrinsic, as assumed by Yan et al. 2015, it fails by a factor of about 100 in powering the observed strength of the near-infrared emission lines, and the thermal near and mid-infrared continuum. In contrast, the line and continuum strengths are typical for a reddened AGN spectral energy distribution. We find that the HeI*/Pbeta ratio is sensitive to the spectral energy distribution for a one-zone model. If this sensitivity is maintained in general broad-line region models, then this ratio may prove a useful diagnostic for heavily reddened quasars. Analysis of archival HST STIS and FOC data revealed evidence that the far-UV continuum emission is resolved on size scales of ~40 parsecs. The lack of broad absorption lines in the far-UV continuum might be explained if it were not coincident with the central engine. One possibility is that it is the central engine continuum reflected from the receding wind on the far side of the quasar.Comment: Consistent with the accepted ApJ pape