The changing source of X-ray reflection in the radio-intermediate Seyfert 1 galaxy III Zw 2. Issue 1 (6th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gonzalez, A G; Waddell, S G H; Gallo, L C
• Is Part Of: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Volume 475:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 128
• Page End: 138
• Publication Date: 2017-12-06
• Subjects: galaxies: active -- galaxies: individual: III Zw 2 -- galaxies: nuclei -- X-rays: galaxies; Astronomy -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 520.5
• DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stx3146
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0035-8711

Abstract

Abstract: We report on X-ray observations of the radio-intermediate, X-ray bright Seyfert 1 galaxy, III Zw 2, obtained with XMM–Newton, Suzaku, and Swift over the past 17 yr. The source brightness varies significantly over yearly time-scales, but more modestly over periods of days. Pointed observations with XMM–Newton in 2000 and Suzaku in 2011 show spectral differences despite comparable X-ray fluxes. The Suzaku spectra are consistent with a power-law continuum and a narrow Gaussian emission feature at ∼6.4 keV, whereas the earlier XMM–Newton spectrum requires a broader Gaussian profile and soft-excess below ∼2 keV. A potential interpretation is that the primary power-law emission, perhaps from a jet base, preferentially illuminates the inner accretion disc in 2000, but the distant torus in 2011. The interpretation could be consistent with the hypothesized precessing radio jet in III Zw 2 that may have originated from disc instabilities due to an ongoing merging event.