2025ApJ...989...84P


Query : 2025ApJ...989...84P

2025ApJ...989...84P - Astrophys. J., 989, 84 (2025/August-2)

NuSTAR Detection of an Absorption Feature in ESP 39607: Evidence for an Ultrafast Inflow?

PECA A., KOSS M.J., SERAFINELLI R., RICCI C., URRY C.M., CERINI G. and BOORMAN P.G.

Abstract (from CDS):

We report the serendipitous discovery of an absorption feature at 4.8 keV in the NuSTAR spectra of ESP 39607, a Seyfert 2 galaxy at z = 0.201, observed in 2023 May and 2024 August. The feature is detected in both observations with individual significance levels between 2σ and 3σ, computed with multiple statistical methods. The combined probability of detecting it in both observations is ≳4σ. The absorption feature is consistent with an ultrafast inflow (UFI) potentially associated with Fe XXV or Fe XXVI Kα transitions. The inferred inflow velocity is ∼0.15-0.20c, with an estimated launching radius of 22-89Rg, depending on the assumed iron transition and whether radiation pressure is accounted for. Photoionization modeling associates the UFI primarily with Fe XXV Kα absorption, blended with a minor contribution from Fe XXVI Kα. Alternative explanations, including associations with the warm-hot intergalactic medium or outflows of lighter elements, are investigated but found unlikely. If confirmed, this detection represents a rare example of a UFI, providing valuable evidence into extreme and/or nonstandard accretion processes near supermassive black holes. Follow-up observations with higher-resolution X-ray spectroscopy, such as with XMM-Newton or XRISM, will be essential to confirm the nature of this feature and better constrain the physical mechanisms driving it.

Abstract Copyright: © 2025. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society.

Journal keyword(s): Active galactic nuclei - Active galaxies - X-ray active galactic nuclei - High-luminosity active galactic nuclei

Simbad objects: 6

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Number of rows : 6
N Identifier Otype ICRS (J2000)
RA
ICRS (J2000)
DEC
Mag U Mag B Mag V Mag R Mag I Sp type #ref
1850 - 2026
#notes
1 Mrk 335 Sy1 00 06 19.5372339024 +20 12 10.617404076   14.19 13.85     ~ 1344 0
2 ATESP J004620-400547 Sy2 00 46 20.6 -40 05 47           ~ 26 1
3 NGC 2617 Sy2 08 35 38.7981089496 -04 05 17.901104280   13.6   12.63 13.2 ~ 226 0
4 PB 3894 Sy1 12 14 17.6738687784 +14 03 13.182723144   14.46 14.19     ~ 873 0
5 7C 1821+6419 Sy1 18 21 57.2130271440 +64 20 36.221312076   14.23 14.24     ~ 632 1
6 Mrk 509 Sy1 20 44 09.7504483224 -10 43 24.727155528   13.35 13.12 10.7   ~ 1370 0

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