Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1997-11-30
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
19 pages, 1 embedded figure (eps), to appear in ApJ 495
Scientific paper
10.1086/305293
We present spectroscopic observations of the quasar PG~1512+370, covering the Hbeta line spectral range and collected at moderate resolution (2-7 A FWHM) from 1988 to 1996. The observations show that the blue wing of the Hbeta broad profile component has changed significantly in flux and shape between 1988 and 1990 and between 1995 and 1996. A displaced blue peak on the Hbeta profile, visible in 1988, but not in the 1990-1995 spectra, is revealed again in one of the spectra obtained in 1996. The blue peak (in both the 1988 and 1996 spectra) is centered at Delta v_r ~ -3000 +/- 500 km/s from the rest frame defined by the narrow component of Hbeta, and the OIII lambda4959,5007 lines. We discuss several conflicting interpretations of the data. We find that the variability of the Hbeta blue wing is consistent with Balmer line emission from regions whose motion is predominantly radial, if variations of the blue wing are a response to continuum changes. Alternatively, we note that observed Hbeta line profile variations are consistent with a variable line component as in a ``binary black hole'' scenario. More frequent observations of Hbeta are needed to distinguish among these hypotheses.
Dultzin-Hacyan Deborah
Marziani Paola
Romano Pado
No associations
LandOfFree
Balmer Line Variations in the Radio-Loud AGN PG 1512+370 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 Balmer Line Variations in the Radio-Loud AGN PG 1512+370, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Balmer Line Variations in the Radio-Loud AGN PG 1512+370 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-210923