Lyman-alpha companions to high-z quasars

Journal Article · Fri Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/169667· OSTI ID:5702743

Hu, E M; Songaila, A; Cowie, L L; Stockton, A ^[1]

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1. Hawaii Univ., Honolulu (USA)

The results are reported of a narrow-band filter search for Ly-alpha companions to z more than 2.8 quasars. Three out of 10 radio-loud quasars are found to have candidate Ly-alpha companions, while no candidates are seen in seven optically selected quasars. Follow-up spectroscopy has confirmed two of the candidates, with one yet to be observed. All the companions lie close to the quasar and are consistent with being ionized by it. Imaging data in a line-free continuum band on the previously known companion to PKS 1614 + 051 are presented. Spectral energy distributions for this Ly-alpha companion, and for a second object lying between it and the quasar, are given, and discussed with comparison to flat-spectrum sources known in the literature. Both PKS 1614 + 051 and the three new systems show a striking similarity in sizes, luminosities, and morphologies with nebulosity seen around low-z quasars. It is argued that the apparent lack of evolution in the quasar nebulosity strongly favors a tidal interaction model. 36 refs.

• OSTI ID: 5702743
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 368; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BASIC INTERACTIONS
CHARGE-COUPLED DEVICES
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENERGY SPECTRA
FLUIDS
GALACTIC EVOLUTION
GALAXIES
GASES
GRAVITATIONAL INTERACTIONS
INTERACTIONS
IONIZED GASES
LYMAN LINES
NEBULAE
QUASARS
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
RED SHIFT
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
SPECTRA
SPECTROSCOPY
VISIBLE RADIATION