Testing the Standard Model of Active Galactic Nuclei through Quasar Variability

The standard model of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) predicts that Type 2 AGNs and Type 1 AGNs only differ in the orientation of a dust torus, which does or does not allow one to observe the central region. If the model is correct, the time-scales and the amplitudes of observed temporal variations should be different between obscured and unobscured objects. In order to test this hypothesis, we started a multi-wavelength (BRIJKs) monitoring campaign of a sample of quasars of both types. Here we present the data and preliminary results of that project.