Published November 1, 1980 | Version v1
Journal article

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

Creators

  • 1. Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences, University of California, San Diego

Description

The QSO 2141+174 shows apparent self-absorption in the profiles of the emission lines Hα, Hβ, and possibly Hγ. 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 Hα, tau0approx. =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

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.
Journal Volume
241
Journal Issue
3
Series
Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.
Journal Page Range
L137-L140
ISSN
0571-7248