Low resolution infrared spectra of quasars
Abstract
Recent observational results based on a joint infrared/optical survey of the hydrogen line spectra of a significant number of low and high redshift quasars are summarized. The spectra show that the Paschen-alpha and Balmer line ratios do not agree with the result of nominal case B recombination theory and vary widely within the quasars sampled. The range of P-alpha to H-beta ratios is a factor of roughly 6, while the range in Ly-alpha to H-alpha ratios is a factor of roughly 5. For the P-alpha:Balmer series, the deviations from case B recombination are not consistent with reddening, but appear, within large dispersions, to be consistent with optical depth effects in the Balmer lines affecting the lines ratios.
- Publication:
-
Objects of High Redshift
- Pub Date:
- 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980IAUS...92..279S
- Keywords:
-
- Infrared Spectra;
- Quasars;
- Spectral Resolution;
- Balmer Series;
- H Alpha Line;
- H Beta Line;
- Hydrogen Recombinations;
- Light (Visible Radiation);
- Paschen Series;
- Ratios;
- Red Shift;
- Astrophysics