ROSAT PSPC observations of the Seyfert 1 galaxies Ark 564, NGC 985, Kaz 163, Mrk 79 and RX J2256.6+0525

We present spatial, temporal and spectral analyses of ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) observations of the Seyfert 1 galaxies Ark 564, NGC 985, Kaz 163, Mrk 79 and RX J2256.6 + 0525. Ark 564 is a powerful narrow-line Seyfert 1 with strong Fe II emission. Several similar narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies have recently been found to have remarkably steep soft X-ray continua as well as rapid X-ray variability. We find that Ark 564 also has a very steep (Γ > 3) 0.1-2.5 keV spectrum and varies by ∼ 20 per cent in 1500 s. We examine models for Ark 564 in light of both its X-ray and optical characteristics, and suggest a possible connection between the steep X-ray spectra of narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies and their narrow lines. NGC 985 has a large soft excess, a warm absorber, or both. The three other Seyferts have systematically steeper spectra than are typically observed for Seyferts in higher energy Ginga data, indicating that they also harbour further spectral complexity. Kaz 163 shows ∼ 45 per cent intensity variability in the 0.1-2.5 keV band, and Mrk 79 shows evidence for variability as well.