BeppoSAX observations of the Seyfert 2 galaxies NGC 7172 and ESO 103-G35

We investigate the X-ray spectra of the type 2 Seyfert galaxies NGC 7172 and ESO 103-G35, using BeppoSAX observations, separated by approximately one year. We find that the X-ray spectra of both NGC 7172 and ESO 103-G35 can be well fitted using a power-law model with an Fe K α emission line at 6.4 keV. We did not find any statistically significant evidence for the existence of a reflection component in the X-ray spectra of these two galaxies. The continuum flux has decreased by a factor of approximately 2 during this period, in both objects. However, the spectral index as well as the absorption column have remained constant. We find weak evidence for the decrease of the normalization of the Fe K α emission line in a similar manner to the continuum in NGC 7172. We also report tentative evidence for a broad Fe K α line in agreement with previous ASCA observations. In contrast, in the case of ESO 103-G35 the line flux does not change while its width remains unresolved.     

The fraction of galaxies that contain active nuclei and their accretion rates

We investigate the relationship between the present-day optical luminosity function of galaxies and the X-ray luminosity function of Seyfert 1s to determine the fraction of galaxies that host Seyfert 1 nuclei and their Eddington ratios. The local type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGN) X-ray luminosity function is well reproduced if ∼1 per cent of all galaxies are type 1 Seyferts which have Eddington ratios of ∼10⁻³. However, in such a model the X-ray luminosity function is completely dominated by AGN in E and S0 galaxies, contrary to the observed mix of Seyfert host galaxies. To obtain a plausible mix of AGN host galaxy morphologies requires that the most massive black holes in E and S0 galaxies accrete with lower Eddington ratios, or have a lower incidence of Seyfert activity, than the central black holes of later-type galaxies.     

Spectral index determination between 408 MHz and 5 GHz in the northern sky

We present the joint analysis of two 5-GHz interferometric surveys of the northern sky, taken with different baselines. The two surveys were carried out on the Jodrell Bank 5-GHz interferometer based at Manchester. The Maximum Entropy Method is used to check the consistency of the two surveys and the final two-dimensional maps are used, together with low-frequency full sky surveys, to put constraints on the Galactic spectral index. It is found that synchrotron emission is the dominant process at high Galactic latitudes below 5 GHz.     

Propagation of disturbances in the solar chromosphere and corona (II)

The first part of this article presents an analytic discussion of the linear properties of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) wave propagation. Then, with a 2-dimensional, time-dependent, compressible MHD simulation subject to a self-consistent non-isothermal, non-uniform initial state, we study numerically the global propagation process following an initial pressure pulse applied at the base of the chromosphere. Our numerical results indicate that, if the pulse is applied near the pole, there are two modes, one fast, one slow of magnetoacoustic waves; whereas if the pressure pulse is applied near the equator, there is a fast mode and a standing disturbance located near the source. These results may help interpret the wave events observed by SOHO/EIT.     

Detection of optical circular polarization in the Herbig Ae star WW Vul

UBVRI observations of circular polarization in WW Vul are presented. A positive polarization of ～0.1% was detected with a signal-to-noise ratio from 3 to 5 in each of the bands and more than 5 when averaged over all five bands. This observed polarization roughly corresponds to a 1% circular polarization of the radiation scattered in a circumstellar disk, which is most likely attributable to the significant alignment of scattering nonspherical dust grains. Since grain alignment is possible only in a magnetic field, this result provides circumstantial evidence for the existence of a magnetic field in the circumstellar disk of WW Vul.     

Observations of high co rotational lines in post-AGBs and PN

We present a preliminary interpretation of high CO rotational line data obtained from KAO. The possibility of either a PDR or a shock model is considered in order to explain the observations.     

A flare in the mira X oph

Before the observation of the 1974 U Ori eruption, it was considered that the Mira stars had only some regular OH variations. With this eruption, we realized that sometimes flares can occur in this type of star. In the course of an OH Mira star monitoring programme with the Nançay radio telescope, we have discovered a new eruptive type of OH maser emission in several sources. Especially, in early 1992, we observed a quickly rising 1665 Mhz emission in the Mira X Oph. The main characteristics of this flare were: large flux variations independent of the light curve; large degree of circular polarization; radial velocity emission close to the stellar velocity.