New active galactic nuclei among the INTEGRAL and SWIFT X-ray sources

We present the results of our optical identifications of a set of X-ray sources from the INTEGRAL and SWIFT all-sky surveys. The optical data have been obtained with the 1.5-m Russian-Turkish Telescope (RTT-150). Nine X-ray sources have been identified with active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Two of them are located in the nearby spiral galaxies MCG-01-05-047 and NGC 973 seen almost edge-on. One source, IGR J16562-3301, is probably a BL Lac object (blazar). The remaining AGNs are observed as the starlike nuclei of spiral galaxies whose spectra exhibit broad emission lines. The relation between the hard X-ray (17–60 keV) luminosity and the [O III] 5007 line luminosity, log L _x/L _{[O III]} ≈ 2.1, holds good for most of the AGNs detected in hard X rays. However, the luminosities of some AGNs deviate from this relation. The fraction of such objects can reach ～20%. In particular, the [O III] line flux is lower for two nearby edge-on spiral galaxies. This can be explained by the effect of absorption in the galactic disks.     

Optical identification of the hard X-ray source IGR J18257-0707

We present the results of our optical identification of the hard X-ray source IGR J18257-0707 through its spectrophotometric observations with the optical RTT-150 telescope. The accurate position of the X-ray source determined using Chandra observations has allowed this source to be confidently associatedwith a faint optical object (m _R ≈ 20.4) whose optical spectrumexhibits a broad H _α emission line at redshift z = 0.037. Thus, the source IGR J18257-0707 is a type-1 Seyfert galaxy at redshift z = 0.037.     

Optical spectra and redshifts of radio sources from the Zelenchuk survey

We performed spectroscopic observations of 22 radio sources from the Zelenchuk survey (Sternberg Astronomical Institute) using the 6-m and 1-m Special Astrophysical Observatory telescopes. For 18 objects, we determined the redshifts. Ten, seven, and one of these objects were identified with quasars, elliptical galaxies, and a Seyfert galaxy, respectively. Four radio sources have a continuum spectrum, and three of them are BL Lac objects. We failed to classify one object.     

On the very-high-energy gamma-ray flux from the galaxy Mrk 421 in 2004

The galaxy Mrk 421 was observed with the GT-48 Cherenkov telescope in 2004. The observations revealed a very-high-energy gamma-ray flux at a confidence level of 4.8 σ. Comparison with the constant gamma-ray flux from the Crab Nebula yielded an estimate of the total flux from Mrk 421, 1.7 ± 0.7 Crab (E ≥ 1 TeV).     

Observations of the gamma-ray flux from the galaxy Mk 501

We present two-year-long observations of the flux of very-high-energy (～10¹² eV) gamma rays from the active galactic nucleus Mk 501 performed with a Cherenkov detector at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory. A gamma-ray flux from the object was shown to exist at confidence levels of 11 and 7 standard deviations for 1997 and 1998, respectively. The flux varied over a wide range. The mean flux at energies >10¹² eV, as inferred from the 1997 and 1998 data, is (5.0±0.6)×10^?11 and (3.7±0.6)×10^?11 cm^?2 s^?1, respectively. The errors are the sum of statistical observational and modeling errors. The mean power released in the form of gamma rays is ～2×10⁴³ erg s^?1 sr^?1.     

Multiyear observations of the galaxy Mk 501

Data of six-year observations of very high energy (E > 10¹¹ eV) gamma-ray flux from the active galactic nucleus Mk 501 obtained using the ground-based GT-48 telescope are analyzed and compared with the 2–10 keV X-ray data obtained using the ASM instrument onboard the RXTE satellite. A positive correlation between the average annual X-and gamma-ray fluxes is demonstrated.     

The universal luminosity function of binary X-ray sources in galaxies

The empirically found universal power-law form of the X-ray luminosity function for a population of high-mass X-ray binaries in galaxies can be explained by the fundamental mass-luminosity and mass-radius relations for massive stars.     

Optical and radio studies of radio sources

We present the classification of optical identifications and radio spectra of six radio sources from a complete (in flux density) sample in the declination range 10° to 12°30′ (J2000.0). The observations were carried out with the 6-m Special Astrophysical Observatory telescope (Russia) in the wavelength range 3600–10000 Å, the 2.1-m GHAO telescope (Mexico) in the range 4200–9000 Å, and the RATAN-600 radio telescope in the frequency range 0.97–21.7 GHz. Three of the six objects under study are classified as quasars, one is a BL Lac object, one is an absorption-line radio galaxy, and one is an emission-line radio galaxy. Five objects have flat radio spectra, and one object has a power-law radio spectrum. All of the radio sources identified as quasars or BL Lac objects show variable radio flux densities. The spectra of three objects were separated into extended and compact components.     

Unidentified γ-ray Sources off the Galactic Plane as Low-Mass Microquasars?

A subset of the unidentified EGRET γ-ray sources with no active galactic nucleus or other conspicuous counterpart appears to be concentrated at medium latitudes. Their long-term variability and their spatial distribution indicate that they are distinct from the more persistent sources associated with the nearby Gould Belt. They exhibit a large scale height of 1.3 ± 0.6 kpc above the Galactic plane. Potential counterparts for these sources include microquasars accreting from a low-mass star and spewing a continuous jet. Detailed calculations have been performed of the jet inverse Compton emission in the radiation fields from the star, the accretion disc, and a hot corona. Different jet Lorentz factors, powers, and aspect angles have been explored. The up-scattered emission from the corona predominates below 100 MeV whereas the disc and stellar contributions are preponderant at higher energies for moderate (∼15^∘) and small (∼1^∘) aspect angles, respectively. Yet, unlike in the high-mass, brighter versions of these systems, the external Compton emission largely fails to produce the luminosities required for 5 to 10 kpc distant EGRET sources. Synchrotron-self-Compton emission appears as a promising alternative.     

A hard X-ray survey of the Galactic-Center region with the IBIS telescope of the INTEGRAL observatory: A catalog of sources

From August 23 through September 24, 2003, the INTEGRAL Observatory conducted a deep survey of the Galactic-Center region with a record-breaking sensitivity at energies above 20 keV. We have analyzed the images of the Galactic-Center region obtained with the ISGRI detector of the IBIS telescope (15–200 keV) and give a catalog of detected sources. We detected a total of 60 sources with fluxes above 1.5 mCrab, 44 and 3 of which were previously identified as binary systems of different classes in our Galaxy and as extragalactic objects, respectively. We discovered one new source.     

Optical identification of the source IGR J08390-4833 from the INTEGRAL all-sky survey

Results of the optical identification of the hard X-ray source IGR J08390-4833 recently discovered in the INTEGRAL all-sky survey are presented. We show that the source is most likely a cataclysmic variable, i.e., an accreting white dwarf in a binary. Analysis of its optical light curve clearly reveals intrinsic variability on timescales of the order of an hour or longer. However, the short time of the source’s optical observations does not allow a definitive conclusion about the periodicity of the detected variability to be reached. Further optical and X-ray observations are required for a more accurate classification of the source.     

A hard X-ray survey of the Sagittarius Arm tangent with the IBIS telescope of the INTEGRAL observatory: A catalog of sources

We analyze the images of the Sagittarius Arm tangent obtained with the IBIS telescope of the INTEGRAL observatory in the energy range 18–120 keV during its observations in the spring of 2003. We detected 28 sources at a statistically significant level with fluxes above 1.4 mCrab in the energy range 18–60 keV. Of these sources, 16 were previously identified as binaries of various classes in our Galaxy, 3 were identified as extragalactic objects, 2 were identified as pulsars in supernova remnants, and 7 sources were of an unknown nature. These observations revealed three new sources. A statistically significant flux in the energy range 60–120 keV was recorded from 13 sources.     

Optical identifications of southern rosat EUV and soft X-ray sources

This paper discusses the first all-sky surveys of cosmic extreme ultra-violet and soft X-ray sources, discovered by ROSAT. Details of the surveys are presented, with comparisons made to previous selected surveys in the X-ray regime. The subsequent optical identification programs are described, and the major results summarized. We then discuss the main classes of EUV emitters: active chromosphere stars and hot white dwarfs, and describe the importance of EUV observations in understanding the astrophysics of these objects. Many bright, and relatively nearby, sources have been identified as hitherto unrecognized active stars, representing the extremes in chromospheric and coronal activity, be it binary or age related. Many new hot DA white dwarfs have also been indentified, and the most exciting result in this area is the discovery that significant traces of heavier elements (e.g. C, N, O, Si, Fe and Al) exist in their atmospheres, substantially increasing their EUV opacities. The importance of hot white dwarfs as standard candles in probing the local interstellar medium is also discussed. Miscellaneous counterparts (AGN, PNN, O-B stars and CVs) that make up the rest of the sample of EUV sources are also briefly mentioned. We finish with a discussion of the on-going ROSAT Galactic Plane Survey (RGPS) identification program.     

Low-Luminosity Accretion in Black Hole X-Ray Binaries and Active Galactic Nuclei

At luminosities below a few percent of Eddington, accreting black holes switch to a hard spectral state which is very different from the soft blackbody-like spectral state that is found at higher luminosities. The hard state is well-described by a two-temperature, optically thin, geometrically thick, advection-dominated accretion flow (ADAF) in which the ions are extremely hot (up to 10¹² K near the black hole), the electrons are also hot (∼10^9−10.5 K), and thermal Comptonization dominates the X-ray emission. The radiative efficiency of an ADAF decreases rapidly with decreasing mass accretion rate, becoming extremely low when a source reaches quiescence. ADAFs are expected to have strong outflows, which may explain why relativistic jets are often inferred from the radio emission of these sources. It has been suggested that most of the X-ray emission also comes from a jet, but this is less well established.     

A Fundamental Plane of Black Hole Activity: Pushing Forward the Unification Scheme

We examine the disc-jet connection in stellar mass and supermassive black holes by investigating the properties of their compact emission in the hard X-ray and radio bands. We compile a sample of ∼100 active galactic nuclei with measured mass, 5 GHz core emission, and 2–10 keV luminosity, together with eight galactic black holes with a total of ∼50 simultaneous observations in the radio and X-ray bands. Using this sample, we study the correlations between the radio (L_R) and the X-ray (L_X) luminosity and the black hole mass (M). We find that the radio luminosity is correlated with both M and L_X, at a highly significant level. We show how this result can be used to extend the standard unification by orientation scheme to encompass unification by mass and accretion rate.     

Flare activity and an optical superflare of the X-ray object 1RXS J220111+281849

A UBVR monitoring of the X-ray source 1RXS J220111+281849 was performed during August 2–21, 1999. Seven moderately intense ultraviolet flares with 1–3^m amplitudes were detected. The object exhibits both rapid and slow flares. An unusual superintense flare with an $11\mathop .\limits^m 0$ amplitude in U was detected on August 18, 1999. Light curves of the flares are presented, and their physical parameters are briefly analyzed.     

X-ray emission from accretion disks in active galactic nuclei

We constructed a grid of relativistic models for standard high-relative-luminosity accretion α-disks around supermassive Kerr black holes (BHs) and computed X-ray spectra for their hot, effectively optically thin inner parts by taking into account general-relativity effects. They are known to be heated to high (～10⁶–10⁹ K) temperatures and to cool down through the Comptonization of intrinsic thermal radiation. Their spectra are power laws with an exponential cutoff at high energies; i.e., they have the same shape as those observed in active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Fitting the observed X-ray spectra of AGNs with computed spectra allowed us to estimate the fundamental parameters of BHs (their mass and Kerr parameter) and accretion disks (luminosity and inclination to the line of sight) in 28 AGNs. We show that the Kerr parameter for BHs in AGNs is close to unity and that the disk inclination correlates with the Seyfert type of AGN, in accordance with the unification model of activity. The estimated BH masses M_x are compared with the masses M_rev determined by the reverberation mapping technique. For AGNs with luminosities close to the Eddington limit, these masses agree and the model under consideration may be valid for them. For low-relative-luminosity AGNs, the differences in masses increase with decreasing relative luminosity and their X-ray emission cannot be explained by this model.     

Properties of the continua of eight PG QSOs from ASCA data

We have analyzed the continua of eight PG QSOs, obtained by the ASCA SIS detector with a higher energy resolution and a broader band than by ROSAT/PSPC and attempted to fit the data with a single power law, a double power law and a truncated power law. Four of the objects exhibit soft X excess in 0.4 – 10 keV. They are Mkn 478, PG 1444+407, PG 1543+48 and 3C 273. Furthermore, the ratio of the excess to total flux is the smaller, the greater the optical luminosity is. The presence or otherwise of the soft X-ray excess is unrelated to the radio properties and luminosity of the object.