Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Emission-line variations and broad-line region kinematics of NGC 5548

Journal Article · · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/168368· OSTI ID:7135222
;  [1]
  1. Lick Observatory, Santa Cruz, CA (USA) California Univ., Los Angeles (USA)
Sixteen spectroscopic observations of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 5548 were made between March 1979 and June 1984 at Palomar and Steward Observatories. Broad-line flux variations correlated with nonstellar continuum changes were measured. H-beta, H-gamma, and He II 4686A all respond rapidly to continuum variations providing strong evidence for photoionization by a central continuum source. Additionally, H-beta profile variations have occurred during the 1900 day monitoring period. These profile variations also correlate with changes in the continuum, but lag behind by about 90 days or less. A kinematic model that incorporates radial outflow and an internal line opacity source is proposed to explain qualitatively the observed H-beta profile variations. 38 refs.
OSTI ID:
7135222
Journal Information:
Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 350; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English