Misc,
X-ray study of a sample of FR0 radio galaxies: unveiling the nature of the central engine
(Feb 23, 2018)
Abstract
FR0s are compact radio sources that represent the bulk of the Radio-Loud (RL)
AGN population, but they are still poorly understood. Pilot studies on these
sources have been already performed at radio and optical wavelengths: here we
present the first X-ray study of a sample of 19 FR0 radio galaxies selected
from the SDSS/NVSS/FIRST sample of Best & Heckman (2012), with redshift \$łeq\$
0.15, radio size \$łeq\$ 10 kpc and optically classified as low-excitation
galaxies (LEG). The X-ray spectra are modeled with a power-law component
absorbed by Galactic column density with, in some cases, a contribution from
thermal extended gas. The X-ray photons are likely produced by the jet as
attested by the observed correlation between X-ray (2-10 keV) and radio (5 GHz)
luminosities, similar to FRIs. The estimated Eddington-scaled luminosities
indicate a low accretion rate. Overall, we find that the X-ray properties of
FR0s are indistinguishable from those of FRIs, thus adding another similarity
between AGN associated with compact and extended radio sources. A comparison
between FR0s and low luminosity BL Lacs, rules out important beaming effects in
the X-ray emission of the compact radio galaxies. FR0s have different X-ray
properties with respect to young radio sources (e.g. GPS/CSS sources),
generally characterized by higher X-ray luminosities and more complex spectra.
In conclusion, the paucity of extended radio emission in FR0s is probably
related to the intrinsic properties of their jets that prevent the formation of
extended structures, and/or to intermittent activity of their engines.
