Multi-epoch UV $-$ X-ray spectral study of NGC 4151 with AstroSat

TL;DR

This study analyzes multi-epoch AstroSat data of NGC 4151 across UV to X-ray bands, revealing variable absorption, a bluer continuum at higher UV flux, and proposing models for the obscurer's structure, with implications for AGN wind behavior.

Contribution

It provides the first multi-epoch simultaneous UV-X-ray spectral analysis of NGC 4151, modeling complex absorption and proposing new obscurer configurations.

Findings

X-ray absorbing neutral column varies significantly, up to 3.4 x 10^{23} cm^{-2}

Positive correlation between X-ray absorption and UV flux and color

Bluer UV continuum observed at higher UV flux levels

Abstract

We present a multi-wavelength spectral study of NGC 4151 based on five epochs of simultaneous AstroSat observations in the near ultra-violet (NUV) to hard X-ray band ($\sim 0.005-80$ keV) during $2017 - 2018$. We derived the intrinsic accretion disk continuum after correcting for internal and Galactic extinction, contributions from broad and narrow line regions, and emission from the host galaxy. We found a bluer continuum at brighter UV flux possibly due to variations in the accretion disk continuum or the UV reddening. We estimated the intrinsic reddening, $E(B-V) \sim 0.4$, using high-resolution HST/STIS spectrum acquired in March 2000. We used thermal Comptonization, neutral and ionized absorption, and X-ray reflection to model the X-ray spectra. We obtained the X-ray absorbing neutral column varying between $N_H \sim 1.2-3.4 \times 10^{23} cm^{-2}$, which are $\sim 100$ times larger than that estimated from UV extinction, assuming the Galactic dust-to-gas ratio. To reconcile this discrepancy, we propose two plausible configurations of the obscurer: (a) a two-zone obscurer consisting of dust-free and dusty regions, divided by the sublimation radius, or (b) a two-phase obscurer consisting of clumpy, dense clouds embedded in a low-density medium, resulting in a scenario where a few dense clouds obscure the compact X-ray source substantially, while the bulk of UV emission arising from the extended accretion disk passes through the low-density medium. Furthermore, we find a positive correlation between X-ray absorption column and $NUV-FUV$ color and UV flux, indicative of enhanced winds possibly driven by the 'bluer-when-brighter' UV continuum.