Spectropolarimetry of the borderline Seyfert 1 galaxy ESO 323-G077

Details Spectropolarimetry of the borderline Seyfert 1 galaxy ESO 323-G077 Spectropolarimetry of the borderline Seyfert 1 galaxy ESO 323-G077

2003-04-24

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0304439v1

Astron.Astrophys. 404 (2003) 505-512

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Scientific paper

10.1051/0004-6361:20030558

We report the detection of high linear polarization in the bright Seyfert 1 galaxy ESO 323-G077. Based on optical spectropolarimetry with FORS1 at the VLT we find a continuum polarization which ranges from 2.2 % at 8300A to 7.5 % at 3600A. Similar amounts of linear polarization are found for the broad emission lines, while the narrow lines are not polarized. The position angle of the polarization is independent of the wavelength and found to be perpendicular to the orientation of the extended [OIII] emission cone of this galaxy. Within the standard model of Seyfert nuclei the observations can be well understood assuming that this AGN is observed at an inclination angle where the nucleus is partially obscured and seen mainly indirectly in the light scattered by dust clouds within or above the torus and the illuminated inner edge of the dust torus itself. Hence we conclude that ESO 323-G077 is a borderline Seyfert 1 galaxy which can provide important information on the geometric properties of active nuclei.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Spectropolarimetry of the borderline Seyfert 1 galaxy ESO 323-G077 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 Spectropolarimetry of the borderline Seyfert 1 galaxy ESO 323-G077, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Spectropolarimetry of the borderline Seyfert 1 galaxy ESO 323-G077 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-518979