NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0538
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0538 |
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PI: Jesse Rogerson, York Univeristy, rogerson@yorku.ca
Address: Department of Physics and Astronomy, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J1P3, Canada
CoI: Patrick Hall, York University
CoI: Paola Rodriguez Hidalgo, York University
CoI: Laura Chajet, York University
Title: Spectroscopic Follow Up of Variable Quasars
Abstract:
Outflows are a key facet of accretion physics, but one that is
poorly understood. We are studying the time variability of broad
absorption line (BAL) quasar outflows to constrain the location(s),
dynamics and structure of these outflows, and evaluate their importance
as a source of feedback for galaxy formation and (co-)evolution. We
have used time-series photometry from SDSS Stripe 82 to confirm that the
colours of BAL quasars are more variable than those of non-BAL quasars,
due to trough variability. Photometry from Stripe 82 and proposed CFHT
imaging can therefore be used to identify candidate BAL quasars with
variable absorption troughs as well as previously non-BAL quasars with
newly emerged absorption troughs. The same can be done for quasars
previously observed spectroscopically in both the original SDSS and SDSS-
III DR9. Spectroscopy is needed to confirm and study variability in
detail, but photometric pre-selection of candidates makes for efficient
spectroscopic followup. We therefore propose to use the Hale/5m or
KPNO/4m for spectroscopic followup of quasars with candidate trough
variability.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0538 |
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