X-ray Variability in M87: 1992 - 1998

Abstract

Beginning in 1995 June, we have obtained an observation of M87 with the ROSAT High Resolution Imager (HRI) every 6 months. We present the measurements of X-ray intensity for the core and knot A through 1998 January. We find significant changes in both components. For the core, intensities measured in 95 Jun, 96 Dec, and 97 Dec are roughly 30% higher than values obtained at three intervening times. For knot A, a secular decrease of approximately 15% is interrupted only by an intensity jump (3 sigma) in 1997 Dec. Because the background used for subtraction is probably underestimated, we suspect the actual variation is somewhat greater than these values indicate.