Open AccessEvidence for Relativistic Outflows in Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 Galaxies
Author(s) -
Karen M. Leighly,
R. F. Mushotzky,
K. Nandra,
Karl Förster
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
the astrophysical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.376
H-Index - 489
eISSN - 1538-4357
pISSN - 0004-637X
DOI - 10.1086/310950
Subject(s) - physics , astrophysics , quasar , galaxy , spectral line , outflow , line (geometry) , radiative transfer , absorption (acoustics) , ionization , absorption spectroscopy , emission spectrum , black hole (networking) , astronomy , optics , quantum mechanics , ion , geometry , mathematics , meteorology , computer network , routing protocol , routing (electronic design automation) , computer science , link state routing protocol
We report the observation of features near 1 keV in the ASCA spectra fromthree ``Narrow Line Seyfert 1'' (NLS1) galaxies. We interpret these as oxygenabsorption in a highly relativistic outflow. If interpreted as absorptionedges, the implied velocities are 0.2--0.3c, near the limit predicted by``line-locking'' radiative acceleration. If instead interpreted as broadabsorption lines, the implied velocities are ~0.57c, interestingly near thevelocity of particles in the last stable orbit around a Kerr black hole,although a physical interpretation of this is not obvious. The features arereminiscent of the UV absorption lines seen in broad absorption line quasars(BALQSOs), but with larger velocities, and we note the remarkable similaritiesin the optical emission line and broad band properties of NLS1s andlow-ionization BALQSOs.Comment: 9 pages using (AASTeX) aaspp4.sty and 2 Postscript figures. Accepted for publication in Astrophysical Journal Letter
Accelerating Research
Robert Robinson Avenue,
Oxford Science Park, Oxford
OX4 4GP, United Kingdom
Address
John Eccles HouseRobert Robinson Avenue,
Oxford Science Park, Oxford
OX4 4GP, United Kingdom