X-ray-selected active galactic nuclei with red optical continua |
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Authors: | Puchnarewicz & Mason |
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Institution: | Mullard Space Science Laboratory, University College London, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6NT |
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Abstract: | We discuss the properties of X-ray-selected 'red' active galactic nuclei (AGN) from the RIXOS sample. These are Seyfert 1 galaxies and quasars whose optical continua are relatively soft, i.e. with an energy index, αopt > 2. There are 14 objects in the RIXOS sample that satisfy this criterion and they cover a range in redshift from z = 0.08 to 1.27. Of these, two have characteristics that suggest that the continuum is intrinsically red, i.e. an optical continuum which does not appear to have been significantly reddened by dust or to have contaminating light from the host galaxy. A further three objects show evidence of being absorbed by cold gas and dust with columns of up to ~ 1022 cm?2. The data are inconclusive on the remaining AGN. |
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Keywords: | radiation mechanisms: non-thermal galaxies: active quasars: general galaxies: Seyfert X-rays: general |
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