The X-ray view of AGNs - an overview

Recent ASCA and ROSAT X-ray observations of active galaxies have revealed a host of new data on the fundamental properties of active galaxies. Amongst these are the discovery and characterization of absorption by ionized gas in Seyfert 1 galaxies (the "warm absorber"), the discovery and parameterization of broad Fe K lines which originate in the central 100 Schwarzschild radii, a substantial modification in the form of the ionization continuum from previous models and the absence of Xray emission from broad absorption line quasars. We briefly summarize the present observational situation and indicate where this field might progress in the next few years with the enhanced capabilities of AXAF, XMM and Astro-E.