Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010aas...21541126s&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #215, #411.26; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 42, p.244
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
Infrared spectroscopy from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope is used to investigate highly energetic mass outflows from broad absorption line quasars (BALQSOs). These mass outflows are only detected in about 20% of the quasar population and their origin and significance remains uncertain. Due to the results of past spectral studies, two overarching theories prevail in this field. The evolutionary theory models the BALQSOs as one step in galaxy evolution of quasars characterized by the massive outflows. The orientation model theory explains the energetic outflows as present in most quasars where the active galactic nucleus of the quasar is surrounded by an obscuring torus that blocks our detection of the outflow in most quasars. We compare the infrared spectra of a sample of BALQSOs with a sample of control quasars to test these conflicting models. Specifically, we are seeking to explain the three fundamental diagnostic results of our two samples of: stronger silicate emission in BALQSOs, greater mid-infrared to optical ratios for non-BALs, and similar dust temperatures in the environments surrounding these two populations. Through analysis of these characteristics, we will compare our results with the published literature to contribute to one of these overarching theories.
Gabel Jack
Showalter Allison
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