X-Ray Characteristics of Water Megamaser Galaxies.

Authors :: Leiter, K.
Kadler, M.
Wilms, J.
Braatz, J.
Grossberger, C.
Krauß, F.
Kreikenbohm, A.
Langejahn, M.
Litzinger, E.
Markowitz, A.
Müller, C.
Tarchi, A.
Reid, M.J.
Castangia, P.
Source :: Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union; Sep2017, Vol. 13 Issue S336, p141-142, 2p
Publication Year :: 2017
Abstract: We have compiled the X-ray characteristic properties for a unique and homogeneous sample of Type 2 AGN with water megamaser activity observed by XMM-Newton and for a control sample of non-maser galaxies, both analyzed in a uniform way. A comparison of the luminosity distributions confirms previous results (from smaller and/or less systematic studies) that water maser galaxies appear more luminous than non-maser sources. In addition, the maser phenomenon is associated with more complex X-ray spectra, higher column densities and higher equivalent widths of the Fe Kα line. Both a sufficiently luminous X-ray source and a high absorbing column density in the line of sight favor the appearance of the water megamaser phenomenon in AGN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]