Open AccessAn RXTE observation of the Seyfert 1 galaxy MCG–6‐30‐15: X‐ray reflection and the iron abundance
Author(s) -
Lee J. C.,
Fabian A. C.,
Reynolds C. S.,
Iwasawa K.,
Brandt W. N.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.058
H-Index - 383
eISSN - 1365-2966
pISSN - 0035-8711
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-8711.1998.01925.x
Subject(s) - physics , astrophysics , galaxy , accretion disc , reflection (computer programming) , accretion (finance) , astronomy , x ray , spectral line , line (geometry) , active galactic nucleus , optics , geometry , mathematics , computer science , programming language
We report on a 50‐ks observation of the bright Seyfert 1 galaxy MCG–6‐30‐15 with the Rossi X‐ray Timing Explorer . The data clearly show the broad fluorescent iron line (equivalent width ∼ 250 eV) and the Compton reflection continuum at higher energies. A comparison of the iron line and the reflection continuum has enabled us to constrain the reflective fraction and the elemental abundances in the accretion disc. Temporal studies provide evidence that spectral variability is a result of changes in both the amount of reflection seen and the properties of the primary X‐ray source itself.