Physics
Scientific paper
Jul 1996
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1996hst..prop.6705k&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #6705
Physics
Hst Proposal Id #6705 Agn
Scientific paper
The Lyman edge at 912 Angstrom is an important diagnosticregion for studying quasi-stellar objects (QSOs). Inparticular, it reveals a great deal about the physicalconditions within the atmospheres of accretion disks, aubiquitous component of QSO theories. A fairly robustprediction of accretion disk theory is a high polarizationjust longward (in wavelength) of the edge. Observations ofthe Lyman edge regions of QSOs have shown scant evidence forthe predicted features---few QSOs show the broad, partialLyman edges expected to be common according to most theories,and none show the high polarizations expected longward of theLyman edge. Still, polarization spectra of a small number ofQSOs have shown a rising polarization (up to 20%) atwavelengths shortward of the Lyman edge. The cause for thisrise is not well understood, mostly because only one object,PG 1630+377, has been studied in enough detail to determinesome characteristics of the polarization feature. We proposeto observe four bright QSOs, chosen for having strong UV fluxat rest wavelengths shorter than 800 Angstrom, to search forevidence of this highly polarized component and to betterdefine its character. As a byproduct we will also accumulatemore information on the polarization properties of QSOslongward of the Lyman edge. Cycle 6 will be the last chancefor this type of study for the foreseeable future, with theimpending removal of the FOS and HST's spectropolarimetriccapability.
No associations
LandOfFree
Below the Lyman Edge: UV Polarimetry of Quasars 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 Below the Lyman Edge: UV Polarimetry of Quasars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Below the Lyman Edge: UV Polarimetry of Quasars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1118218