The Near-Infrared Variability of Quasars

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

We explore the intrinsic variability of quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) observed as part of the NEWFIRM Medium Band Survey (MBS). Using data obtained in 6 filters between 1 - 2.2 micron, we parameterize the structure function for variability in each of the filters for the 100 spectroscopically confirmed QSOs observed during the NEWFIRM MBS.
Similar to recent optical studies we find that the structure function can be adequately modeled as a damped random walk. We characterize the differences in the variability in each of the six filters, and search for any trends between variability, redshift, and absolute magnitude. We compare this variability to that of known variable stars and examine the possibility of selecting QSOs from near-infrared (NIR) variability alone, regardless of color. Within the context of upcoming NIR synoptic surveys, e.g., WFIRST, EUCLID and SASIR, we suggest that QSOs can be discovered based on their intrinsic NIR variability.

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

The Near-Infrared Variability 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 The Near-Infrared Variability of Quasars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Near-Infrared Variability of Quasars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1578798

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