The line continuum luminosity ratio in active galactic nuclei : on the"Balwin effect".
Abstract
The luminosity dependence of the equivalent width of CIV in active galaxies, the 'Baldwin' effect, is shown to be a consequence of a luminosity dependent ionization parameter. This law also agrees with the lack of a 'Baldwin' effect in Ly alpha or other hydrogen lines. A fit to the available data gives a weak indication that the mean covering factor decreases with increasing luminosity, consistent with the inference from X-ray observations. The effects of continuum shape and density on various line ratios of interest are discussed. Previously announced in STAR as N83-35975
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- March 1984
- DOI:
- 10.1086/161822
- Bibcode:
- 1984ApJ...278..558M
- Keywords:
-
- Active Galactic Nuclei;
- Hydrogen;
- Ionization;
- Line Spectra;
- Luminosity;
- Active Galaxies;
- Continuums;
- X Ray Sources;
- Astrophysics