Variation of Broad Optical Emission Lines in AGN's

Abstract

AGN optical spectra (4000–5000Å) have been obtained with the TV scanner of the 6-m telescope at Special Astrophysical Observatory (N. Arkhiz-North Caucasus) from 1986 to now. Most spectra were obtained with dispersion of 1 Å/channel and with 3–4Å spectral resolution and signal-to-noise ratio S/N=10–25 for individual spectra. NGC 4151, NGC 3516, NGC 5548 and NGC 7469 are the main sources of the programme and are also being used in international AGN watch programmes for diagnosis, estimation of the size and structure of the BLR.

NGC4151:

In 1987 the broad components of the Hβ and Hγ lines decreased strongly (on about 65% as compared with 1986) and fell to a level comparable to that of 1984. In 1988 they increased up approximately to the level of 1986. During the photometrically low state of NGC 4151 satellites of the strong Hβ, Hγ, Hδ and He II4686Å lines were suspected at radial velocities of +9400 km/s and −7500 km/s. The data are could be interprite a two-jet model with jet velocity of 8400–24000 km/s. (Bochkarev et al., 1989). Analysis of the spectra shows that the broad component of HeII λ 4686Å changed its asymmetry over 6 years. Bochkarev et al. (1992), Nazarova et al. (1993) discussed a possible explanation of profile HeII λ 4686Å behavior by involving a precession of cones of ionizing radiation.

NGC5548:

Cross-correction of the optical emission line light curves with the UV continuum light curve reveals that the lines respond to continuum variations with a time delay from 7 days for HeII 4686Å to 18 days for Hβ. Hγ responds more rapidly than the lower order Balmer lines and there is a general trend towards higher amplitude variations in higher-order lines. The time lags for the line variations are consistent with the general pattern of radial ionization stratification of the BLR. During 1988–89 Fe II in blend 4130Å varies with an amplitude of aproximately 20% about the mean, similar the amplitude of the Hβ variations and Balmer continuum.

NGC3516:

Variations of Hβ during 1986–88 were small (20%), the shape of the profile (including the assymetry) did not change, but Hγ - to Hβ ratios of the profile integrated intensities of broad component increased from 0.43 in 1986 to 0.8 in 1988. The 30% variations of continuum on characteristic time scale 10–15 days during the spring of 1988 were not accompanied by any noticeable changes in the line profile (Bochkarev et al., 1990).