Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2002-10-04
Astrophys.J. 583 (2003) 659-669
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
16 pages, 10 figures. Accepted for publication in ApJ. Uses aastex
Scientific paper
10.1086/345421
In this paper we study the variability properties of the Lyman alpha and C IV emission lines in 3C273 using archival IUE observations. Our data show for the first time the existence of variability on time scales of several years. We study the spatial distribution and the velocity field of the emitting gas by performing detailed analyses on the line variability using correlations, 1D and 2D response functions, and principal component analysis. In both lines we find evidence for two components, one which has the dynamic properties of gas in Keplerian motion around a black hole with a mass of the order of 10^9 Mo, and one which is characterized by high, blue-shifted velocities at large lag. There is no indication of the presence of optically thick emission medium neither in the Lya, nor in the Civ response functions. The component characterized by blue-shifted velocities, which is comparatively much stronger in Civ than in Lya, is more or less compatible with being the result of gas falling towards the central black hole with free-fall acceleration. We propose however that the line emission at high, blue-shifted velocities is better explained in terms of entrainment of gas clouds by the jet. This gas is therefore probably collisionally excited as a result of heating due to the intense infrared radiation from the jet, which would explain the strength of this component in Civ relative to Lya. This phenomenon might be a signature of disk-jet interaction.
Paltani Stephane
Türler Marc
No associations
LandOfFree
Dynamics of the Lyman alpha and C IV emitting gas in 3C 273 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 Dynamics of the Lyman alpha and C IV emitting gas in 3C 273, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dynamics of the Lyman alpha and C IV emitting gas in 3C 273 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-561347