Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Sep 1975
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1975apj...200..558p&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal, vol. 200, Sept. 15, 1975, pt. 1, p. 558-566.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
10
Galactic Nuclei, Gas Ionization, Hydrogen, Interstellar Gas, Proton Energy, Seyfert Galaxies, Astronomical Models, Momentum Transfer, Optical Thickness, Temperature Effects
Scientific paper
Physical conditions in a high-density hydrogen gas heated and ionized by suprathermal protons are investigated, and the results are applied to the gas in the nuclear region of Seyfert galaxies. The gas is assumed to be optically thick to Lyman and Balmer line radiation. Mechanisms by which the radiation from the gas can balance the heating by the fast protons are investigated, and minimum values for the mass of gas are estimated. Under certain conditions, the suprathermal atoms themselves can cool the ambient gas by rescattering the line radiation into the optically thin region in the wings of the line. This mechanism, optical reverberation, can enhance the broad component of the hydrogen lines produced by inelastic atomic collisions and yield line widths consistent with those observed in Seyfert and quasar spectra. If this mechanism is important, the Lyman decrement can depend strongly on the temperature and density of the ambient hydrogen. The possibility is discussed of achieving dynamic equilibrium of the ambient gas by balancing the momentum transfer from the suprathermals with gravitational attraction of a massive central source.
Ptak Roger
Stoner Rick
No associations
LandOfFree
The effect of suprathermal protons on the physical conditions in Seyfert galaxy nuclei 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 The effect of suprathermal protons on the physical conditions in Seyfert galaxy nuclei, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The effect of suprathermal protons on the physical conditions in Seyfert galaxy nuclei will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-909354