Radial Velocity Variability in the Mass Outflow in the Seyfert 1 Galaxy NGC 3783

Computer Science

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Hst Proposal Id #10230 Agn/Quasars

Scientific paper

We have discovered a decreasing radial velocity in an outflowing UV absorber in NGC 3783 -- the first unambiguous detection of kinematic variability in an AGN outflow. The observed velocity shift could be due either to bulk deceleration of the outflow or a geometric effect, in which the radially projected component of velocity changes as the outflow moves across our line of sight. Several pieces of evidence support the latter interpretation. A simple geometric model of an absorber with a changing velocity vector predicts the absorption line depths will decrease sometime before mid-2005, at an increasingly rapid rate, and eventually disappear. We propose three STIS E140M observations, obtained at 4 -- 8 months intervals, to determine the underlying mechanism causing this rare phenomenon. Specifically, these observations will allow us to: 1} track the radial velocity variations, 2} follow the evolution of the covering factors, thereby mapping the geometry and transverse motion of the absorber against the background AGN light, 3} determine the ionization structure in the outflow by monitoring ionization-dependent coverage, and 4} test for changes in the ionization of the absorber using photoionization models. These results will provide a definitive test of the geometric model, and will place strong limits on alternative mechanisms. In addition, we have also been allocated two FUSE observations of NGC 3783 in the upcoming cycle. We request simultaneous observations in at least one epoch, which will place very tight constraints on the absorption/emission geometry. These results will provide crucial input needed to test dynamical models of AGN outflows.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Radial Velocity Variability in the Mass Outflow in the Seyfert 1 Galaxy NGC 3783 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 Radial Velocity Variability in the Mass Outflow in the Seyfert 1 Galaxy NGC 3783, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Radial Velocity Variability in the Mass Outflow in the Seyfert 1 Galaxy NGC 3783 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1011140

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.