Comparison of high- and low-state X-ray spectra in the type 1.5 quasi-stellar object 2MASS 0918+2117

When observed by XMM–Newton in 2003, the type 1.5 quasi-stellar object 2MASS 0918+2117 was found to be in a low state, with an X-ray flux approximately four to five times fainter than during an earlier Chandra observation. The 2–6 keV spectrum was unusually hard (photon index ∼ 1.25), with evidence for a reflection-dominated continuum, while a soft excess visible below ∼1 keV prevented confirmation of the anticipated low energy absorber. In a second XMM–Newton observation in 2005, the X-ray flux is found to have recovered, with a 2–10 keV continuum spectrum now typical of a broad-line active galaxy ( ∼ 2) and a deficit of flux below ∼1 keV indicative of continuum absorption in a column NH ∼ 4 × 1021 cm−2. We find the preferred ionization state of the absorbing gas to be low, which then leaves a residual soft excess of similar spectral form and flux to that found in the 2003 XMM–Newton observation. Although observed at different epochs, we note that dust in the absorbing column could also explain the red nucleus and strong optical polarization of 2MASS 0918+2117.