Self-absorption in the Balmer line profiles of the QSO 2141+174 (=OX 169)

Journal Article · Sat Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/183377· OSTI ID:6681537

Smith, H E

The QSO 2141+174 shows apparent self-absorption in the profiles of the emission lines H..cap alpha.., H..beta.., and possibly H..gamma... It is suggested that this self-absorption is most readily interpreted as due to a ''broad-line emission cloud'' viewed along the line of sight to the continuum source. Under this assumption, the minimum optical depth in H..cap alpha.., tau/sub 0/approx. =40, confirms previous suggestions that QSO broad-line clouds must be optically thick in the Balmer lines and very optically thick in the Lyman lines. It is possible that variations in the column density of absorbing material along the line of sight may account for the X-ray variability of 2141+174.

• Research Organization: Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences, University of California, San Diego
• OSTI ID: 6681537
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States) Vol. 241:3; ISSN AJLEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640103* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Quasi-Stellar
Radio
& X-Ray Sources-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ABSORPTION
BALMER LINES
COSMIC GASES
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EMISSION SPECTRA
FLUIDS
GASES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
LINE WIDTHS
OPACITY
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
QUASARS
RADIATIONS
SELF-ABSORPTION
SPECTRA
VARIATIONS
X RADIATION