Detailed Hard X-Ray Measurements of Nuclear Emission from the Seyfert2 Galaxy NGC4388 with Suzaku

Abstract

Abstract We report on a Suzaku observation of the nearby Seyfert2 galaxy NGC4388. The overall spectrum is well described by the combination of strongly absorbed power-law plus thin thermal plasma emission, as well as previous observations. Thanks to well-calibrated instruments and a low background level, Suzaku measured the broad-band X-ray spectra more precisely than ever, and enabled us to probe the physical structure of the nuclear region. In addition, a time variability having a factor of 1.5 with a half-day time scale was found up to above 10keV. The center energy and the K$\beta$/K$\alpha$ ratio of the narrow Fe-K line, together with less time variability, indicate that the fluorescent material is far from the black hole. A spectral hump around the 30-40keV band, together with a Compton shoulder of the Fe-K line, requires a significant contribution of the reflection component. This is also consistent with a smaller amplitude of time variability in a higher energy band. A large contribution of the reflection component was not observed by the CGRO/OSSE and BeppoSAX, suggesting that NGC4388 had been in a higher flux state, and that Suzaku observed its light echo. A He-like Fe-K$\alpha$ absorption line was also detected, indicating the existence of highly ionized plasma.