A recent survey by researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences has led to the discovery of 11 new active galactic nuclei (AGNs) through the all-sky X-ray source observations conducted with the ART-XC telescope aboard the Spektr-RG (SRG) space observatory. Led by Grigory Uskov, the team has so far identified over 50 AGNs and several cataclysmic variables, contributing significantly to our understanding of these energetic cosmic objects. The discovery of these new AGNs provides valuable data for further research, including statistical analysis, testing cosmological models, and improving classification methods.
The newly detected AGNs, cataloged in ARTSS1-5, have been classified as Seyfert galaxies, a well-known subtype of AGNs. Among them, seven are type 1 Seyferts (Sy 1), three are type 1.9 (Sy 1.9), and one is type 2 (Sy 2). Seyfert galaxies are characterized by their luminous cores powered by supermassive black holes accreting matter. These galaxies emit strong electromagnetic radiation, especially in infrared and optical bands, and are key to understanding the nature of AGN activity due to their relatively moderate luminosities compared to quasars.
According to the study published in Astronomy Letters, the 11 AGNs are located at relatively close cosmic distances, with redshifts ranging from 0.028 to 0.258. Their X-ray luminosities vary widely, spanning from 2 to 300 tredecillion erg per second, which fits within the typical luminosity range for active galactic nuclei in the current universe. One particularly interesting source, SRGA J000132.9+240237, exhibits an X-ray spectrum with a power-law slope less than 0.5, indicating strong absorption and a significant reflection component from the galaxy’s surrounding dusty torus.
The researchers emphasize the need for longer and more detailed X-ray observations to fully understand the physical properties of these newly found AGNs. Such studies could shed light on the interaction between supermassive black holes and their host galaxies, the structure of the obscuring material around them, and their role in galaxy evolution. This ongoing work by the Russian team enhances our ability to map the high-energy universe and explore the extreme environments near supermassive black holes.