Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2004-06-02
Astrophys.J. 613 (2004) 129-150
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
42 pages, including 2 tables and 8 figures. To appear in ApJ, vol. 613, 20 Sep. 2004
Scientific paper
10.1086/422974
We present the results of a search for variability in the equivalent widths (EWs) of narrow, associated (Delta v < 5,000 km/s) absorption lines found in the UV spectra of z < 1.5 quasars. The goal of this search was to use variability as a means of identifying absorption lines arising in gas that is intrinsic to the quasar central engine. We have compared archival HST/FOS spectra of quasars with recent spectra obtained as part of our own snapshot survey of the same objects with STIS. The intervals between observations are 4-10 years. We primarily focused on the C IV absorption lines, although we also studied other lines available in the same spectra (e.g., Ly-alpha, N V, O VI). Our main result is that 4 out of 15 quasars, or 4 out of 19 associated absorption systems, contained variable narrow absorption lines, which are indicative of intrinsic absorption. We conclude that a minimum of 21% of the associated absorption-line systems are variable. Because not all systems will have necessarily varied, this is a lower limit on this fraction and it is consistent with previous estimates based on variability, partial coverage analysis, or statistical arguments. If we interpret the upper limits on the variability time scale as upper limits on the recombination time of the absorber, we constrain the density of the absorber to be n_e > 3000 cm^{-3} and its distance from the ionizing source to be R < 100pc. Moreover, we are now able to pick out specific intrinsic absorption-line systems to be followed up with high-dispersion spectroscopy in order to constrain the geometry, location, and physical conditions of the absorber. We briefly illustrate how followup studies can yield such constraints by means of a simulation.
Charlton Jane C.
Eracleous Michael
Ganguly . R.
Wise John H.
No associations
LandOfFree
Variability of Narrow, Associated Absorption Lines in Moderate- and Low-Redshift 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 Variability of Narrow, Associated Absorption Lines in Moderate- and Low-Redshift Quasars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Variability of Narrow, Associated Absorption Lines in Moderate- and Low-Redshift Quasars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-617742