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A rapid energetic X-ray flare in the quasar PKS0558 - 504A recent observation from the Ginga satellite of the quasar PKS0558 - 504 is reported during which the X-ray flux increased by 67 percent in the space of only three minutes. There was no significant change in the spectrum. Comprehensive analysis of the data strongly indicates that this was a genuine X-ray flare originating in the quasar. The implied rate of change in luminosity in the 2-10 keV range, assuming a Hubble constant of 70 km/s/Mpc, and a cosmological deceleration parameter q0 = 0.5, is 3.2 x 10 to the 42nd erg/sq s, the highest value measured for a quasar. When photon scattering is considered, this is about 16 times greater than could be produced, with a three-minute rise time, in an isotropically emitting plasma. It is argued that the apparent luminosity must be enhanced by relativistic beaming. This is the first indication of beaming in an 'ordinary' unpolarized quasar.
Document ID
19910049546
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Remillard, R. A.
(Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Grossan, B.
(Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Bradt, H. V.
(MIT Cambridge, MA, United States)
Ohashi, T.
(Tokyo, University Japan)
Hayashida, K.
(Institute of Space and Astronautical Science Sagamihara, Japan)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
April 18, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Nature
Volume: 350
ISSN: 0028-0836
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
91A34169
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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