The X-ray nature of the LINER nuclear sources

Abstract

The analysis of the X-ray data for a sample of 51 LINER nuclei with available X-ray Chandra imaging is reported. Our aim was to investigate the physical mechanisms which power LINER nuclear activity. The use of multiwavelenght information at radio, UV, optical HST and X-ray lead us to conclude that at least 60% of the LINERs are hosting a low luminosity AGN in their nuclei. This percentage may be even higher if the Compton-thickness of some nuclei (mostly with SB-like hard X-ray morphology) is confirmed.

Conference proceedings to appear in "The Central Engine of Active Galactic Nuclei", ed. L.C. Ho and J.-M. Wang (San Francisco: ASP)