Multiwavelength tests of the dusty torus model for Seyfert galaxies

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Abstract

We present a compilation of emission properties for a sample of 116 Seyfert galaxies based on both previously unpublished data and measurements available in the literature. These measurements include fluxes in the emission lines [O III] λ5007 and Hβ, as well as the infrared (25-60 microns), ultraviolet (1450 A), soft (0.2-4 keV), and hard (2-10 keV) X-ray continua. These data are used to try to distinguish between isotropic and anisotropic emission properties of Seyfert galaxies. The distribution functions of [O III] λ5007, infrared, and hard X-ray continuum are similar for Seyfert 1's and Seyfert 2's, consistent with these properties being isotropic. The ultraviolet and soft X-ray continua of Seyfert 2's are underluminous relative to the type 1's suggesting photons at these energies escape from the central source anisotropically. There is a correlation between the ultraviolet continuum and emission-line fluxes in Seyfert 1's consistent with the idea that the central engine is responsible for powering the line emission. No such correlation is found for the Seyfert 2's. Instead, the scatter in the plot of ultraviolet continuum versus line emission suggests the true nuclear continuum luminosity is not seen at Earth in these objects. These properties are consistent with those expected in the dusty torus model.

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