Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2000-05-08
Astrophys.J.536:L5-L9,2000
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Accepted for publication in ApJL. 3 Figures, 2 Tables
Scientific paper
10.1086/312717
We identify a correlation space involving optical and UV emission line parameters as well as the soft X-ray spectral index that provides optimal discrimination between all principal classes of active galactic nuclei. Most of the sources in our three high quality data samples show a strong intercorrelation with narrow line Seyfert 1 (NLSy1) galaxies and steep spectrum radio galaxies occupying opposite extrema in the space. NLSy1 sources show a clear continuity with broader line sources indicating that they are not a disjoint class of AGN as is sometimes suggested. We interpret the principal intercorrelation in the parameter space as being driven by AGN luminosity to black hole mass ratio (L/M prop. to the Eddington ratio). Source orientation no doubt also plays an important role but it is not yet clear whether FWHM H beta or CIV 1549 line shift is the better indicator. We tentatively identify two RQ populations: an almost pure RQ population A with FWHM<=4000 and population B which occupies the same parameter domain as the flat spectrum RL sources. A possible interpretation sees Pop. A/NLSy1 as lower mass/high accretion rate sources and Pop. B/RL sources the opposite.
Dultzin-Hacyan Deborah
Marziani Paola
Sulentic Jack W.
Zwitter Tomaz
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