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Wolter, Anna

Publications and source records attributed to Wolter, Anna.

ROSAT observations of four unidentified EMSS sources

We present an analysis of four unidentified Einstein Observatory Extended Medium Sensitivity Survey sources detected in two pointed ROSAT/Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) observations. One source (MS0420.0-3838) is resolved in two sources denoted with N (North) and S (South) in the ROSAT image. Only for one source (MS0420.6-3839) we have enough counts to allow a spectral analysis. For the other sources we have limited ourselves to the calculation of the x-ray hardness ratio and then, assuming a galactic value for the hydrogen column density, we have derived an energy index alpha (sub epsilon). We find a wide range of alpha(sub epsilon) (1 equal to or less than alpha(sub epsilon) equal to or less than 3). Thanks to a significantly improved x-ray positional accuracy, generally only one or two objects down to approx. 22 mag are present in the error circle. We have spectroscopically identified three sources with AGN: two are radio-quiet Quasi-Stellar Object (QSO) at z = 0.831 and z = 0.482, the third one is a Narrow Emission Line Galaxy at z = 0.572. For the remaining sources no optical spectroscopy is available; however, the values of alpha(sub ox) and alpha(sub ro) show that also these sources are probably AGN.

Ciliegi, Paolo↗

The properties of X-ray selected active galactic nuclei. II - A deeper look at the cosmological evolution

A detailed study of the cosmological properties of X-ray selected AGN is presented. The data are analyzed within the framework of a pure luminosity evolution (PLE) model and the two most population evolutionary forms. Evidence is found for luminosity-dependent luminosity evolution if the evolution function has the exponential form. The simpler PLE model is more acceptable if the data are fitted with a power-law evolution function. Similar results are obtained in the optical domain from an analysis of a sample of optically selected QSOs with z less than 2.2 and B less than 20.

Della Ceca, Roberto↗

A cooling flow cluster at redshift z = 0.2

The cluster of galaxies 1E0839.9 + 2938, discovered in X-ray observations by Nesci et al. (1988), is characterized on the basis of VLA 6-cm radio observations, Whipple Observatory CCD photometry, and spectroscopic observations obtained with the Multiple Mirror Telescope and the 88-inch University of Hawaii Telescope at Mauna Kea. The data are presented in tables, maps, and sample images and spectra and briefly characterized. The bright X-ray object is identified with a cluster at redshift z = 0.195; its central galaxy has radio emission of 1.1 x 10 exp 24 W/Hz as well as strong optical line emission which is not restricted to its nucleus. It is concluded that 1E0839.9 + 2938 is a cooling-flow cluster similar to 3C295 (found at z = 0.461 by Henry et al., 1986). The need for space observations (by Rosat or the AXAF) to determine the object's X-ray luminosity distribution is indicated.

Wolter, Anna↗

BL Lacs from the EMSS: Number-counts and implications for the luminosity function

BL Lac objects, extracted from the Einstein Extended Medium Sensitivity Survey (EMSS), are examined. X-ray selection proved to be a powerful tool to find new BL Lacs, and allows the creation of complete, well defined and sizable samples. X-ray selected BL Lac objects (XBL) have in general more starlight in the optical spectra than radio selected BL Lacs. Redshifts for a significant fraction of objects in samples of XBL can be determined. It is thus possible to study the cosmological properties of BL Lac objects. Different models of luminosity functions of BL Lacs, including relativistic beaming, are considered and integrated over luminosity and redshift. The results are compared with the observed number-counts. The observed redshift distribution and the models' predictions are analyzed.

Wolter, Anna↗

The X-ray spectra of the extragalactic sources in the Einstein extended medium sensitivity survey

The X-ray energy distribution of a large sample of faint extragalactic X-ray sources is studied. Two independent methods are used to determine that the average spectral index for the sources is about 0.95. The intrinsic dispersion of the spectral index distribution is about 0.36. The sources are characterized by a range of power law slopes in the soft X-ray band with a mean of 1.03 + 0.05 or - 0.06 and an intrinsic dispersion of about 0.36. The present analysis extends knowledge of the AGN spectral properties to sources which are about three times more distant and more than 10 times fainter than those previously studied. There is no evidence in the data for any change in the mean spectral index of either extragalactic sources as a whole or AGN in particular, as a function of the X-ray flux in the flux range 10 to the -11th to 10 to the -13th ergs/sq cm/s.

Maccacaro, Tommaso↗

X-ray surveys as tools to investigate the cosmological evolution of quasars, BL Lac objects and clusters of galaxies

A progress report on a major extension of the Einstein Observatory Medium Sensitivity Survey (MSS) is presented. The MSS consists of X-ray sources serendipitously discovered with the IPC on board the Einstein Observatory in the energy range 0.3-3.5 keV, at fluxes between 10 to the -11th and 10 to the -13th ergs/sq cm/s. The basic properties of the extragalactic sources identified with AGN and clusters of galaxies are discussed.

Gioia, Isabella M.↗