3EG J2027+3429 another Blazar behind the Galactic Plane

Abstract

We report on the association of an X-ray source (WGA J2025.1+3342), serendipitously found with BeppoSAX in two separate observations, with the unidentified EGRET source 3EG J2027+3429. The source is detected from 1 keV up to about 100 keV, has a flat (0.6-1.5) spectrum and is highly variable both in intensity and shape. The data indicate marginal evidence for an iron line in the source rest frame. The overall X-ray luminosity is 4 10^{45} erg s^{-1} typical of a quasar. The X-ray source is coincident in radio with a bright object characterized by a flat spectrum over the band 0.3-10 GHz while in optical it is identified with a quasar at redshift 0.22. All available data indicate a SED compatible with a low frequency peaked or red blazar type object. This identification is interesting because this is the second blazar found behind the galactic plane in the direction of the Cygnus region.

6 pages, 5 figures, 3 tables, accepted for publication in A&A