A Main Sequence for Quasars

The last 25 years saw a major step forward in the analysis of optical and UV spectroscopic data of large quasar samples. Multivariate statistical approaches have led to the definition of systematic trends in observational properties that are the basis of physical and dynamical modeling of quasar str...

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Published inFrontiers in astronomy and space sciences Vol. 5
Main Authors Marziani, Paola, Dultzin, Deborah, Sulentic, Jack W., Del Olmo, Ascensión, Negrete, C. A., Martínez-Aldama, Mary L., D'Onofrio, Mauro, Bon, Edi, Bon, Natasa, Stirpe, Giovanna M.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Frontiers Media S.A 01.03.2018
Subjects
eigenvector 1
emission lines
galaxy evolution
outflows
quasars
supermassive black holes
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Summary:The last 25 years saw a major step forward in the analysis of optical and UV spectroscopic data of large quasar samples. Multivariate statistical approaches have led to the definition of systematic trends in observational properties that are the basis of physical and dynamical modeling of quasar structure. We discuss the empirical correlates of the so-called “main sequence” associated with the quasar Eigenvector 1, its governing physical parameters and several implications on our view of the quasar structure, as well as some luminosity effects associated with the virialized component of the line emitting regions. We also briefly discuss quasars in a segment of the main sequence that includes the strongest FeII emitters. These sources show a small dispersion around a well-defined Eddington ratio value, a property which makes them potential Eddington standard candles.
ISSN:2296-987X
2296-987X
DOI:10.3389/fspas.2018.00006