A reflection-dominated X-ray spectrum discovered by ASCA in the Circinus galaxy

Abstract

We report the first pointed X-ray observation, made by ASCA, of the nearby Seyfert 2 galaxy in Circinus. The spectrum consists of a very prominent (EW∼2 keV) fluorescent 6.4-keV iron line, a very flat continuum (photon spectral index less than 1) and other lines, including one at ∼7 keV that is probably due, at least in part, to iron Kβ fluorescent emission. The spectrum is consistent with Compton scattering and fluorescent emission from cold matter illuminated by an obscured active nucleus.