Studying X-ray reprocessing and continuum variability in quasars: PG 1211+143

Abstract

We present the results from a monitoring campaign of the Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 galaxy PG 1211+143. The object was monitored with ground-based facilities (UBVRI photometry; from 2007 February to July) and with Swift [X-ray photometry/spectroscopy and ultraviolet (UV)/optical photometry; between 2007 March and May]. We found PG 1211+143 in a historical low X-ray flux state at the beginning of the Swift monitoring campaign in 2007 March. It is seen from the light curves that while violently variable in X-rays, the quasar shows little variations in optical/UV bands. The X-ray spectrum in the low state is similar to other narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies during their low states and can be explained by a strong partial covering absorber or by X-ray reflection on to the disc. With the current data set, however, it is not possible to distinguish between both scenarios. The interband cross-correlation functions indicate a possible reprocessing of the X-rays into the longer wavelengths, consistent with the idea of a thin accretion disc, powering the quasar. The time lags between the X-ray and the optical/UV light curves, ranging from ~2 to ~18 d for the different wavebands, scale approximately as ~λ^4/3, but appear to be somewhat larger than expected for this object, taking into account its accretion disc parameters. Possible implications for the location of the X-ray irradiating source are discussed.