NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0544
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0544 |
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PI: Patrick Hall, York University, phall@yorku.ca
Address: Department of Physics and Astronomy, 4700 Keele Street, North York, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
CoI: Paola Rodriguez Hidalgo, York University
CoI: W. Niel Brandt, Penn State University
CoI: Jesse Rogerson, York University
CoI: Nur Filiz Ak, Penn State University
CoI: Laura Chajet, York University
Title: Monitoring Emergent Absorption Troughs in Quasars
Abstract:
Outflows from luminous active galactic nuclei --- quasars --- are important
ingredients in galaxy formation and the enrichment of the intergalactic
medium. These outflows can manifest as broad absorption line (BAL) troughs in
quasar spectra. Trough variability can be used to constrain the physical
parameters of these absorbing structures through comparison to models and
simulations of accretion disk winds. Monitoring appearing and disappearing
BAL troughs can constrain the distribution of BAL trough lifetimes along our
line of sight. By comparing repeat quasar spectra from the Baryon Oscillation
Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) and the original SDSS, we have identified 68
quasars in whose spectra new absorption troughs have appeared between the two
surveys (over 300-1200 rest frame days), including a rare trough at 60,000
km/s outflow velocity. We propose GMOS spectroscopy of 56 of the brightest of
these quasars to measure the absorption strength in newly appeared troughs
200-300 rest-frame days after their first measurement. We expect that some
troughs will still be growing in strength, but even a failure to detect a
statistical increase in absorption strength in our sample would be useful.
That could indicate a rapid onset of absorption from fast-moving, sharp-edged
absorbing structures, which simulations would have to match.
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 > 2013A-0544 |
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