Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1999-04-27
Astrophys.J.519:L39-L42,1999
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
12 pages LaTeX, including 2 revised figures, revised table. Revised version to be published in the Astrophysical Journal (Lett
Scientific paper
10.1086/312106
The masses of the central black holes in Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) can be estimated using the broad emission-lines as a probe of the virial mass. Using reverberation mapping to determine the size of the Broad Line Region (BLR) and the width of the variable component of the line profile H$\beta$ line it is possible to find quite accurate virial mass estimates for AGNs with adequate data. Compiling a sample of AGNs with reliable central masses and bulge magnitudes we find an average black-hole-to-bulge mass ratio of 0.0003, a factor of 20 less than the value found for normal galaxies and for bright quasars. This lower ratio is more consistent with the back hole mass density predicted from quasar light, and is similar to the central black hole/bulge mass ratio in our Galaxy. We argue that the black hole/bulge mass ratio actually has a significantly larger range than indicated by mssive black holes detected in normal galaxies (using stellar dynamics) and in bright quasars, which may be biased towards large black holes. We derive a scenario of black hole growth that explains the observed distribution.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Black Hole to Bulge Mass Relation in Active Galactic 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 Black Hole to Bulge Mass Relation in Active Galactic Nuclei, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Black Hole to Bulge Mass Relation in Active Galactic Nuclei will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-92929