Emission-line variability of Fairall 9 - Determination of the size of the broad-line region and the direction of gas motion

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1989 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/167937· OSTI ID:5095964

Koratkar, A P; Gaskell, C M ^[1]

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1. Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor (USA)

A cross-correlation analysis has been performed on 118 IUE spectra of Fairall 9 to determine the size of the broad-line region and the average direction of gas motion. Analysis of the line flux shows that the C IV 1549 A-emitting region is 124 + or - 39 light days from the central source and the Mg II 2800 A-emitting region is 167 + or - 61 light days from the central source. Analysis of the wing flux indicates that the dominant motion for the C IV-emitting gas is inward. The Mg II-emitting gas suggests totally random or chaotic motions. These results indicate that the gas motion in the broad-line region is dominated by gravity close to the central supermassive object. A mass of 7.7 + or - 4.9 x 10 to the 8th solar is indicated for the black hole. 32 refs.

• OSTI ID: 5095964
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 345; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
BLACK HOLES
CARBON
CORRELATIONS
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELEMENTS
EMISSION SPECTRA
ERRORS
FLUID FLOW
GALAXIES
GAS FLOW
MAGNESIUM
METALS
MONTE CARLO METHOD
NONMETALS
QUASARS
SEYFERT GALAXIES
SPECTRA
STARS
SUPERMASSIVE STARS
ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRA