[Vsnet-alert 8386] X-ray detection of 3C454.3

[Ron Remillard]

The following was posted as ATEL 484 this morning.
VSNET productivity is quite apparent here!

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X-ray Outburst of the blazar, 3C454.3

The X-ray light curve of the blazar 3C454.3 was constructed with data
from RXTE All-Sky Monitor, following the report by Balonek (VSNET
Alert) of an optical outburst.  An X-ray detection is evident when the
results are examined on timescales of one week or longer.
Over the recent time interval, MJD 53490.0 to 53501.5,
the average flux (2-12 keV) is 10.8 (1.7) mCrab, implying that
3C454.3 is currently one of the brightest AGN in the X-ray sky.
During the previous 10 days (MJD 53480.0 to 53490.0), the flux
is 0.4 (1.9) mCrab.  We assess the outburst spectrum
to be moderately hard, i.e. harder than the spectrum
of atypical Galactic transient, yet softer than a classical
X-ray pulsar. Multifrequency observations are needed.

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cheers,
Ron Remillard
MIT