Quasar Absorption Lines as a Function of Quasar Orientation Measures
Abstract
We present high-resolution radio data at 3.5 and 20 cm from the VLA in the A configuration for 144 quasars with known C IV absorption-line properties. Using these measurements, we compare and contrast a number of quasar orientation indicators. These quantities are used to study the velocity distribution of C IV absorption lines as a function of quasar orientation measures. That there is an excess of narrow, high-velocity C IV absorbers in flat spectrum quasars as compared to steep spectrum quasars is confirmed. Orientation indicators that are not based upon spectral indices (e.g., RV and the core-to-lobe ratio) do not show the same effect. These seemingly contradictory results may be reconciled if the absorber distribution is not strictly a function of orientation, but rather a function of intrinsic radio properties that may or may not be good orientation indicators.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- February 2001
- DOI:
- 10.1086/318414
- arXiv:
- arXiv:astro-ph/0101063
- Bibcode:
- 2001ApJ...547..635R
- Keywords:
-
- Galaxies: Intergalactic Medium;
- Galaxies: Quasars: Absorption Lines;
- Radio Continuum: Galaxies;
- Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 34 pages, 7 figures, 3 tables, ApJ in press