Hard X-Ray Emission in Centaurus A

Abstract

Abstract We use 13 yr of Swift/BAT observations to probe the nature and origin of the hard X-ray (14–195 KeV) emission in Centaurus A. Since the beginning of the Swift operation in 2004, significant X-ray variability in the 14–195 KeV band has been detected, with mild changes in the source spectrum. Spectral variations became more eminent after 2013, following a softer-when-brighter trend. Using the power spectral density (PSD) method, we find that the observed hard X-ray photon flux variations are consistent with a red-noise process of slope, −1.3, with no evidence for a break in the PSD. We find a significant correlation between the hard X-ray and 230 GHz radio flux variations, with no time delay longer than 30 days. The temporal and spectral analysis confirms that the X-ray emission generated by the accretion in the ADAF model is sub-dominant as compared with the emission arising from that produced by the inner regions of the radio jet.