Implications of Lyman-alpha equivalent widths in active galactic nuclei

Joseph C. Shields, Gary J. Ferland

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Variable Seyfert 1 nuclei exhibit a nonlinear response of Lyman α luminosity to changes in the continuum level, leading to a negative correlation between Lyα equivalent width and luminosity. We report the results of photoionization calculations that examine the sensitivity of Lyα emission to parameters describing the broadline clouds and incident radiation field. The luminosity dependence of the equivalent width of Lyα can be understood in terms of increased destruction of the line at higher ionization parameter (U; ratio of ionizing photon to hydrogen density). The observed slope of equivalent width versus continuum flux for NGC 5548 and Fairall 9 is consistent with an ionizing continuum shape that is independent of luminosity. Measurements of the slope of Lyα equivalent width versus continuum brightness limit the permitted combinations of U and cloud density characterizing the Lyα-emitting zone. We consider the case of the well-studied Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548 and find good consistency with the observed properties of the Lyα zone for a cloud density of ∼1011 cm-3 and U near 0.2. Estimation of the cloud covering factor depends on the extrapolation of the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) continuum. EUV cutoffs at 20 and 60 eV correspond to a range of covering factors between 0.8 and 0.5, which is larger than typically assumed in the past for luminous Seyferts. Equivalent width observations of Fairall 9 show that its continuum cannot be as soft as suggested by previous line ratio analyses and imply that its EUV continuum persists to 20 eV or more before cutting off. Finally, we outline a method by which variability measurements can be combined with our calculations to measure the distances to active galactic nuclei, and hence the Hubble constant.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)425-431
Number of pages7
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume402
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 10 1993

Keywords

  • Galaxies: Seyfert
  • Galaxies: active
  • Galaxies: nuclei
  • Quasars: general
  • Ultraviolet: galaxies

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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