Published March 1989 | Version v1
Journal article

Thermal light variations of active galactic nuclei

  • 1. Texas, University, Austin
  • 2. Lick Observatory, Santa Cruz, CA

Description

Thermal limit cycles in accretion disks are a promising explanation of the quasi-periodic outbursts of dwarf novae. A similar mechanism may lead to observable light variations in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) at wavelengths 1-5 microns. The variations should obey a characteristic period-luminosity relation. For low-luminosity AGNs, these variations could have a period of less than about 10 yr. 27 refs

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Astrophysical Journal
Journal Volume
338
Series
Astrophys. J.
Journal Page Range
32-36
ISSN
0004-637X
CODEN
ASJOA