Rapid X-ray variability of the Seyfert galaxy MCG-6-30-15

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Abstract
Strong and continuous variability was detected in the X-ray emission of the Seyfert I galaxy MCG-6-30-15 during a 9hr EXOSAT observation in 1984 July. Changes in the 2–6 keV flux appear quasi-sinusoidal with a modulation depth of 40–50 per cent and peak-to-trough time-scales as short as 1500s. Although less well determined, due to a lower counting rate and to filter cycling, correlated changes are also seen in the EXOSAT low-energy telescope, covering the energy band ∼0.1–1.5 keV. No significant lag or lead of greater than ∼1000s is seen between the medium- and low-energy variations. A simple power law plus low-energy cut-off does not give an acceptable fit to the time-averaged spectrum, unless the line-of-sight absorbing column is surprisingly low; a separate soft spectral component, thermal or power law, being strongly preferred.

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