Redshifted Fe Kα line from the unusual γ-ray source PMN J1603–4904

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https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/abs/2015/02/aa25442-14/aa25442-14.html

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https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201425442
 http://hdl.handle.net/11603/29574

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UMBC Center for Space Sciences and Technology (CSST) / Center for Research and Exploration in Space Sciences & Technology II (CRSST II)
UMBC Faculty Collection
UMBC Physics Department

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4656-6881

Date

2015-02-04

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journal articles
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Citation of Original Publication

Müller, C., F. Krauß, T. Dauser, A. Kreikenbohm, T. Beuchert, M. Kadler, R. Ojha, et al. “Redshifted Fe Kα Line from the Unusual γ-Ray Source PMN J1603–4904.” Astronomy & Astrophysics 574 (February 1, 2015): A117. https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201425442.

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Abstract

Context. Multiwavelength observations have revealed the highly unusual properties of the γ-ray source PMN J1603–4904, which are difficult to reconcile with any other well-established γ-ray source class. The object is either a very atypical blazar or a compact jet source seen at a larger angle to the line of sight. Aims. To determine the physical origin of the high-energy emission processes in PMN J1603–4904, we study the X-ray spectrum in detail. Methods. We performed quasi-simultaneous X-ray observations with XMM-Newton and Suzaku in 2013 September. This resulted in the first high signal-to-noise X-ray spectrum of this source. Results. The 2–10 keV X-ray spectrum can be well described by an absorbed power law with an emission line at 5.44 ± 0.05 keV (observed frame). We interpret this feature as a Kα line from neutral iron and accordingly determine the redshift of PMN J1603–4904 to be z = 0.18 ± 0.01, which corresponds to a luminosity distance of 872 ± 54 Mpc. Conclusions. The detection of a redshifted X-ray emission line further challenges the original BL Lac classification of PMN J1603–4904. This result suggests that the source is observed at a larger angle to the line of sight than expected for blazars, and thus the source would add to the elusive class of γ-ray loud misaligned-jet objects, possibly a γ-ray bright young radio galaxy.