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Problems for the standard black hole/accretion disk models in Cygnus X-1?Archival EXOSAT and HEAO1-A2 data from Cyg X-1 show the 'high energy excess' above 10 keV seen in X-ray observations of AGN. Using a likelihood ratio test, we are for the first time able to distinguish conclusively in favor of Compton reflection rather than partial covering as the origin of the high energy excess. This supports the idea of an X-ray illuminated accretion disk in Cyg X-1, but the line equivalent width is smaller by a factor of 2-3 than that expected from such a disk. While the larger optical depth required for reflection as opposed to line emission admit the possibility of seeing line without reflection, the converse is not possible. To see a reflection spectrum, including the strong iron absorption edge, implies that strong iron emission must be observed as the line and edge are causally linked.
Document ID
19930045829
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Done, C.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Mulchaey, J. S.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt; Maryland Univ., College Park, United States)
Mushotzky, R. F.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Arnaud, K. A.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt; Maryland Univ., College Park, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: In: Testing the AGN paradigm; Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Topical Astrophysics Conference, Univ. of Maryland, College Park, Oct. 14-16, 1991 (A93-29801 11-90)
Publisher: American Institute of Physics
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
93A29826
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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