Deconvolution of the X-Ray Emission and Absorption Components in Centaurus A

摘要

We present ROSAT HRI and PSPC plus ASCA X-ray observations of the radio galaxy Centaurus A. The HRI image reveals that the X-ray jet has remained constant in flux since the Einstein observation 15 years ago, while the nuclear flux has decreased by ～60/100. The PSPC data allows the first detailed spatially resolved X-ray spectroscopy of the nucleus, jet, and diffuse emission in Cen A. The 0.12 keV spectrum of the nucleus is heavily absorbed, as expected. The jet can be described by a power law of photon index T～2.3, although thermal models cannot be ruled out. The presence of faint diffuse emission is confirmed, extending out to ～6 kpc from the nucleus. The spectrum of the diffuse emission can be modeled as two "Raymond-Smith" plasmas.