Gravitational redshifts in Seyfert 1 galaxies.

Observational evidence suggests that the broad-line profiles of Seyfert 1 nuclei result from radial motions within a spherically symmetric configuration. It is not clear whether these motions are inward or outward. If the speed of the material increases with distance from the nuclear center, the observed profile asymmetries are probably dominated by absorption or scattering effects. If the speed increases inward, gravitational redshifts might play an important role in the production of these asymmetries. Under certain circumstances the nuclear velocity field can be derived from observed profiles.