Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2002-01-16
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
6 pages, 2 figures, Accepted for publication in ApJ v569 n2, April 20, 2002
Scientific paper
10.1086/339346
Spectral absorption features in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) have traditionally been attributed to outflowing photoionized gas located at a distance of order a parsec from the central continuum source. However, recent observations of QSO FIRST J104459.6+365605 by de Kool and coworkers, when intepreted in the context of a single-phase gas model, imply that the absorption occurs much farther (approx 700 pc) from the center. We reinterpret these observations in terms of a shielded, multiphase gas, which we represent as a continuous low-density wind with embedded high-density clouds. Our model satisfies all the observational constraints with an absorbing gas that extends only out to about 4 pc from the central source. The different density components in this model coexist in the same region of space and have similar velocities, which makes it possible to account for the detection in this source of absorption features that correspond to different ionization parameters but have a similar velocity structure. This model also implies that only a small fraction of the gas along the line of sight to the center is outflowing at the observed speeds and that the clouds are dusty whereas the uniform gas component is dust free. We suggest that a similar picture may apply to other sources and discuss additional possible clues to the existence of multiphase outflows in AGNs.
Arav Nahum
Everett John E.
Konigl Arieh
No associations
LandOfFree
Observational Evidence for a Multiphase Outflow in QSO FIRST J1044+3656 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Observational Evidence for a Multiphase Outflow in QSO FIRST J1044+3656, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Observational Evidence for a Multiphase Outflow in QSO FIRST J1044+3656 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-141792