Photometric variations in the Q2237 + 0305 system - First detection of a microlensing event

Journal Article · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Astronomical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/115272· OSTI ID:7193534

Irwin, M J; Hewett, P C; Corrigan, R T; Jedrzejewski, R I; Webster, R L ^[1]

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1. Cambridge Univ. (England) Canadian Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, Toronto (Canada)

New photometric data are presented for the gravitationally lensed quasar system 2237 + 0305, which shows unambiguous evidence for a change in brightness of one of the four component images. This represents the first detection of a microlensing event. For the case where the source intersects the critical curve of the microlens, observational constraints on the timescale for the event allows a limit of 0.1 solar mass or less to be placed on the mass on the lensing object. The data illustrate the immense potential for obtaining information on the size of the quasar-continuum-emitting region, together with the mass function of compact objects in the lensing galaxy, through a comprehensive photometric monitoring program of the 2237 + 0305 system. 13 refs.

• OSTI ID: 7193534
• Journal Information: Astronomical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astronomical Journal; (USA) Vol. 98; ISSN 0004-6256; ISSN ANJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640106* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Cosmology
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BRIGHTNESS
CHARGE-COUPLED DEVICES
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
GALAXIES
GRAVITATIONAL LENSES
IMAGES
LENSES
LIMITING VALUES
MASS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHOTOMETRY
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
QUASARS
RED SHIFT
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES