Quasar evolution via galaxy mergers

Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/168406· OSTI ID:6966296

Carlberg, R G ^[1]

---

1. Toronto Univ. (Canada)

The expected evolution of quasars is calculated using the dynamics of merging galaxies and the assumption that the birth rate of quasars is proportional to the rate of mergers. The merger rate is described using a modification of the Press-Schechter theory. As a specific model, the luminosity of a quasar is assumed to be proportional to its host galaxy's halo mass, and the amount of gas supplied per merger is independent of the quasar's luminosity, implying a lifetime that is inversely proportional to luminosity. The main strength of the model is its relation to the dynamics of clustering. Its main weaknesses are the poorly constrained relations between host galaxies and quasars. 64 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6966296
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 350; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
640105 -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BASIC INTERACTIONS
COSMIC GASES
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
COSMOLOGY
FLUIDS
GALACTIC EVOLUTION
GALAXIES
GASES
GRAVITATIONAL INTERACTIONS
INTERACTIONS
LUMINOSITY
MASS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NONLUMINOUS MATTER
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
ORIGIN
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
QUASARS
RED SHIFT