Quasar Broad Absorption Line Variability on Multiyear Timescales

• Published in: The Astrophysical journal Vol. 675; no. 2; pp. 985 - 1001
• Main Authors: Gibson, Robert R, Brandt, W. N, Schneider, Donald P, Gallagher, S. C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago, IL IOP Publishing 10.03.2008; University of Chicago Press
• Subjects: Astronomy; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Active galaxies; Quasars; Absorption line; galaxies: active; quasars: absorption lines; Variability; Galaxy nuclei; galaxies: nuclei; quasars: individual (LBQS 0010-0012, LBQS 0018+0047, LBQS 0021-0213, LBQS 0051-0019, LBQS 0055+0025, LBQS 0109-0128, LBQS 1208+1535, LBQS 1213+0922, LBQS 1234+0122, LBQS 1235+1453, LBQS 1243+0121, LBQS 1314+0116, LBQS 1331-0108)

We use quantitative metrics to characterize the variation of C iv [lambda]1549 broad absorption lines (BALs) over 3-6 (rest-frame) years in a sample of 13 quasars at [image] and compare the results to previous studies of BAL variability on shorter timescales. The strong BALs in our study change in c...