Redshift difference between emission and absorption lines of QSOs

Distribution of the redshift difference (z) between emission and absorption lines of QSOs is half-gaussian. Also, the quantity z increases with increase in emission line redshift (z _em). The correlation between the two quantities (z andz _em) is statistically significant. The interpretation of the results indicate that the co-moving density of absorbing clouds decreases with redshift and that the absorbing clouds are associated with the QSOs rather than completely unrelated intervening material.     

A new examination of absorption line density in the Lα forest of QSOs

The distribution of the absorption lines in the L forest of QSOs is re-examined in relation to both absorption and emission redshifts by analyzing a sample consisting of 20 QSO L forests.On the one hand, the -value in the relationN(z _abs)=N ₀(1+z _abs) is re-estimated by applying the maximum likelihood (ML) method to all the L forests in our sample as a whole as well as to the forests for individual QSOs. The global estimated is 2.20±0.28 and both the quasars with highest and lowestz _em do not individually have a significant effect on it. A non-parametric test on the estimate of from individual QSOs shows that there is no significant difference between the numbers of positive and negative -values. This does not, therefore, favour the idea that for individual QSOsN(z _abs) decreases with increasingz _abs.On the other hand, the possible correlation between the absorption line density and the emission redshift of the QSO itself, which was found by Bianet al. (1986, 1988) and re-discovered independently by Tytler (1987), is shown once again not only by the largerz _em QSOs having larger mean density, but more importantly, at a rather high confidence level, by the fact that, at the same values ofz _abs, QSOs with largerz _em possess a greater number of L absorption lines.A discussion of the inverse effect suggests that it is still hard to say whether this effect really exists.     

Variability of extragalactic objects in relation to redshift, color, radio spectral index and absorption lines

Optical variability of extragalactic objects, viz., QSOs, BL Lacs and Seyfert galaxies has been monitored systematically over an appreciable period of time and a large amount of data have accumulated. The present work reports results of investigations involving statistical analysis of updated data on relationships between variability and various observed properties of the objects, viz., redshift, color indices, radio spectral index and absorption lines. It is found that at high frequencies (rest frame) radio spectral index does not change significantly with the degree of variability. However, the degree of variability depends on redshifts. On the other hand, presence or absence of absorption lines is significantly associated with variability for QSOs with larger redshifts (z > 1.0), while no such relationship exists for QSOs at smaller redshifts (z < 1.0) or other objects. Correlation between color indices and redshifts depends on the degree of variability and the sample chosen for the color index.     

Distribution of gaps in emission line redshifts of QSOs

A gap in the distribution of a parameter is simply the absence of the parameter for the values corresponding to the gap. The gap in the emission line redshift (z) of QSOs thus represents absence of QSOs with emission line redshift values corresponding to the gap region. Gaps in emission line redshifts of QSOs have been analysed statistically with updated data consisting of 1549 values. The study indicates: (i) There is a critical redshiftz _c =2.4, which separates two distinct phases in the creation of QSOs. Forz>z _c , the creation appears to have been a slow process. Atz?z _c there was a triggering action which produced a burst of QSOs simultaneously. Forz _c , the rate of production of QSOs have been fast. (ii) The distribution of gaps atz _c ; appear to be consequence of periodicities, provided the periodicities involved are perfect and the redshift values are accurate. (iii) The distribution of gaps atz>z _c are not random, but follow a definite trend.     

Are QSOs local objects?

The similarities of the spectra of QSOs with those of Wolf-Rayet stars are pointed out. The emission spectrum of the earliest discovered QSO, 3C 273, in the ultraviolet and visible regions is interpreted as that of an object deficient in hydrogen like Wolf-Rayet stars but havingno redshift. The visible emission spectra of two other QSOs, 3C 48 and 3C 280.1, are also similarly interpreted. It is further assumed that the absorption lines of QSOs are produced in an expanding atmosphere so that they are violet shifted as in Wolf-Rayet stars. Fifty-four out of 55 narrow absorption lines of the QSO Q 1246-057 are interpreted on the assumption that the average velocity of the absorbing ions is 500 km s^–1, although the redshift theory can explain only 23 lines by invoking six different redshifts: Four of the five emission lines of the same object can be identified assuming no shift. Since the QSOs are here assumed to be comparatively local objects, the problems of energy supply, superluminal velocities, etc., raised by the conventional explanation do not arise in this case.Presently at the Institut für Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Universität Erlangen, F.R.G.     

The physical properties of primordial intergalactic gas — re-examination of self-gravitating models of lyman-alpha forest

The physical state of optically thin, primordial gas in intergalactic space at redshift about Z=2.5 is re-examined, assuming the gas is in ionzation and thermal equilibrium by the integrated UV flux from QSOs. For densities in the range 10^–5–10^–2 cm^–3, the structure of the gas can be well described by an isothermal polytrope of infinite index. The L absorbing clouds observed in the spectra of distant QSOs may arise in such self-gravitating intergalactic clouds. Some properties of the clouds are discussed with reference to recent observations and equilibrium models.This work is partially supported by CNSF.     

Effect of changes in magnitudes of QSOs in their redshift distribution

Strong emission lines may change the brightness of QSOs and hence their observed magnitudes. Since different lines will affect the magnitudes by entering a particular filter at different redshifts, this effect may alter the number of QSOs at a particular redshift and hence the redshift distribution. The present analysis shows that the influence of the emission lines on the U and B magnitudes are significantly correlated to the redshift distribution. It is concluded that the changes in observed magnitudes of QSOs caused by the emission lines have significant effects on the present redshift distribution.     

Integral field observations of damped Lyman‐α galaxies

We report preliminary results from a targeted investigation on quasars containing damped Lyman‐α absorption (DLA) lines as well strong metal absorption lines, carried out with the Potsdam Multi Aperture Spectrophotometer (PMAS). We search for line‐emitting objects at the same redshift as the absorption lines and close to the line of sight of the QSOs. We have observed and detected the already confirmed absorbing galaxies in Q2233+131 (z_abs = 3.15) and Q0151+045 (z_abs=0.168), while failing to find spectral signatures for the z = 0.091 absorber in Q0738+313. From the Q2233+131 DLA galaxy, we have detected extended Lyα emission from an area of 3″ ×5″. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The X-ray variability of high-redshift QSOs

We present an analysis of X-ray variability in a sample of 156 radio-quiet quasars taken from the ROSAT archive, covering a redshift range  0.12)  in the sense that QSOs of the same X-ray luminosity are more variable at  z>2  . We discuss possible explanations for this effect. The simplest explanation may be that high-redshift QSOs are accreting at a larger fraction of the Eddington limit than local AGNs.     

Emission line redshift distribution of QSOs

This paper is the second one of a series of papers on the redshift distribution of QSOs. In this paper, we shall study the influence of the selection effect in the identification of emission lines on the redshift distribution of QSOs more thoroughly than the previous paper (Zhouet al., 1983). If we assume that the QSO's redshift is cosmological, adopt the standard model, and consider the selection effect due to the redshift identification, the limiting apparent magnitude in the observation and the evolutionary effect of QSOs, we can compute the emission line redshift distribution for the so-called optically selected QSOs discovered by objective prism, grating prism technique alone, the QSOs discovered by positional methods or by colour technique and for whole QSOs, respectively (see Figures 6, 11, 12). The results of computation agree with the observations very well, especially for optically selected QSOs; the computational distribution has almost the same shape with the observational one. For this kind of the QSOs the computational distribution may give the positions and heights of all these observed peaks. The correlation coefficient between the calculated and observed distributions is larger than 0.95. It shows that (a) the peaks and dips in the redshift distribution of QSOs are mainly caused by the selection effect in the redshift identification, and (b) the redshift of QSOs is cosmological.     

Redshifts and the Hubble diagrams of Quasi-Stellar Objects

In order to investigate the nature of the redshifts of QSOs, Hubble diagrams have been plotted. First, [log (cz),m _v ] pairs have been plotted for a sample of 252 QSOs. This sample has been drawn from the recent catalogue (Burbidgeet al., 1977) of 633 QSOs after excluding those for which either the redshifts are uncertain or theV magnitudes are not known accurately. Before plotting,K-correction has been applied to theV magnitudes. A least-squares linear fit has been obtained for this plot and, as a result, we get a slope of 0.165±0.012 against 0.2 expected theoretically on the basis of the assumption that the QSOs are at cosmological distances implied by their redshifts. The discrepancy in the value of the slope has been attributed partly to the uncertainty in theK-correction and partly to the evolutionary effect. In order to eliminate the uncertainty due to theK-correction, [log (cz), logf(H)] pairs have been plotted for a sample of 52 QSOs and a least-squares linear fit has been obtained which has a slope of –0.497±0.076, in close agreement with the theoretically expected value of –0.5. This lends support to the hypothesis that the redshifts of the QSOs are cosmological in nature. Finally, the evolutionary effect has been examined, and we conclude that the QSOs do evolve in luminosity in course of time.     

Redshift distribution in extragalactic objects and evolution of galaxies

In order to see whether the study of redshift distribution in different classes of extragalactic objects, suspected of belonging to different phases in the evolutionary sequence of galaxies, helps in arriving at a possible picture of the evolutionary sequence of galaxies, histograms have been plotted between the number and the redshift for each of the five classes of extragalactic objects, namely, the QSOs, N-galaxies, Seyfert galaxies, radio galaxies and normal galaxies. It is found that: (i) the highest peaks in the five histograms occur at distinctly different redshifts in the order (Z _peak)_QSOs>(Z _peak)_N-galaxies>(Z _peak)_{Seyfert galaxies}>(Z _peak)_{radio galaxies}> (Z _peak)_{normal galaxies} and (ii) sufficient overlap occurs in the redshift ranges of (a) QSOs and N-galaxies, (b) N-galaxies and Seyfert galaxies, (c) Seyfert galaxies and radio galaxies and (d) radio galaxies and normal galaxies. These facts suggest that the extragalactic objects might be evolving in the sequence: QSOsN-galaxiesSeyfert galaxiesradio galaxiesnormal galaxies. Other independent evidences in support of such an evolutionary sequence have been given. Finally, various aspects of the problem associated with the picture of the evolutionary sequence of galaxies have been critically examined.     

Redshift cutoff and evolution of QSOs

In this paper I present a new evolution model of QSOs luminosity. The model is based on edges distribution of apparent magnitude-redshift of QSOs. After the quasars were formed, the luminosities were increasing until they attained their maximum value atz=2+a, where –0.1a0.6, then the luminosities were decreasing. If the QSOs originate from superconducting cosmic string of same initial massM _i 10¹² M , the formation epochs are different, most of the quasars start atz _cutoff5.6. The most luminous QSOs start at later epochz _cutoff5.15. The present sky survey echniques may give us the possibility to see the formation of QSOs at apparent magnitudem _V 22.5 by chance of 0.3%.     

A statistical study of the Lyman-Alpha absorption lines of nine quasars

We investigate the properties of the Lα absorption lines in the high resolution spectra of nine quasars, B2 1225+31.7, PKS 2126-158, Q 0002-422, Q 1453-423, PHL 957, PKS 0528-250, PKS 0805+046, PKS 1448-232 and PKS 1442+101. Their emission line redshift range is 2.20 ? z_em ? 3.54; a total of 350 Lα absorption lines cover the range 1.70 ? z_abs ? 3.54. Our analysis support the following conclusions; 1) the number density of Lα absorption lines is not significantly different in different quasars. 2) The number density does not vary significantly with redshift. 3) Their equivalent width spectrum does not vary significantly with redshift. 4) Their properties are the same whether in the wing of the Lα emission or in the continuum. 5) Their two-point correlation function is flat within the limit of resolution, which is different from the behaviour of galaxies. These results show that the Lα absorption lines in high-redshift quasars are very probably produced by intergalactic hydrogen clouds uniformly distributed throughout space.     

A multi-term trial function stability analysis of isotropic relativistic star clusters

A multi-term trial function technique is developed for studying the dynamic stability of isotropic relativistic star clusters by using the variational principle originated by Ipser and Thorne (1968). The technique is applied ton=4 polytropic clusters, and low-temperature isothermal clusters. These two types of cluster have pronounced core-halo structures and they have both proved difficult to analyse with single-term trial function methods. Then=4 polytropic clusters are proved to be dynamically unstable if their central redshifts are greater thanz _c=0.412. This is quite close to the point on their sequence withz _c=0.41, where their fractional binding energy peaks. Strong evidence is obtained that all isothermal clusters with no dispersion in the stellar rest mass become dynamically unstable near the region where their fractional binding energy peaks, and that none of these clusters is dynamically stable if their central redshift exceedsz _c0.53.     

High redshift structures and the geometry of the universe

The geometry of space at high redshifts is dependent on the value of the cosmological constant (or its normalised contribution to the curvature of space, ₀). Here we investigate the prospects for constraining ₀ from the apparent dimensions of structures seen at very highz. As an example we consider the single highest redshift structure currently known, atz=3.4. We show that there can be substantial differences in apparent orientation, depending on the cosmological model assumed, in particular the radial stretching at highz can lead to structures inprobably well aligned with the line of sight if we (incorrectly) assume a large value of ₀. In our example we are limited by the effect of the (unknown) dynamics within this cluster/supercluster. However, a suitably well defined, relatively small, sample of large structures at highz, along with a study of their velocity fields, may provide an alternative, and complementary, approach to the use of very large statistical samples as required by previously suggested methods.     

Determination of the mean H<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">i</Emphasis> absorption of the intergalactic medium

In recent years, the Lyman-α forest in quasar spectra has been used, together with N-body simulations, to determine the underlying matter distribution in the intergalactic medium (IGM). One of the key parameters to be known in order to compare observations and numerical simulations is the mean HI absorption in the IGM. To derive the latter, one has first to fit the quasar continuum. We have observed 20 high redshift and highly luminous QSOs (m _V ≤ 17.5 and 2.40 ≤ z _em ≤ 3.91) at intermediate spectral resolution, with either EMMI (ESO Multi-Mode Instrument) on the ESO-NTT telescope or CARELEC at the OHP (Observatoire de Haute-Provence), and applied different methods of determining the QSO continuum to this QSO sample. We have measured the amount of absorption, known as the flux decrement, DA, in the Lyman-α forest for these different methods and compared the results. In addition, we have compared DA values measured along the same lines of sight observed at high and intermediate spectral resolutions. We discuss the systematics resulting from the use of automatic continuum fitting methods.     

Determination of true velocity dispersion and the dark matter problem in clusters of galaxies

According to the convention normally followed the redshifts of the galaxies in a cluster are assumed to be of purely dopplerian origin. The resulting velocity dispersion, when used in the virial theorem, leads to a very large proportion of dark matter to be present in the galaxy clusters. However, the recently proposed model of velocity dependent cosmic drag cause redshifts of photons and it is necessary to develop a procedure to determine the true velocity dispersion from the gross redshift data. A method for this has been presented in the paper. Coma and Perseus clusters have been investigated using this procedure and theM/L ratios for both were found to be approximately of the order of 30, i.e., approximately the order ofM/L ratios for individual galaxies. A study of them -z relation indicates that the galaxies with higher redshifts have fainter magnitudes. Distortion of the redshift plots and the typical elongation of the core regions along the line-of-sight is also explained.     

Gigahertz-peaked spectrum (GPS) galaxies and quasars

The results of a comprehensive analysis of continuous radio spectra of a sample of Gigahertz-Peaked Spectrum (GPS) sources are reported. The sources are selected from a flux-density-complete sample (S _ν ≥ 200 mJy at 4.8 or 5 GHz) using multifrequency measurements of the RATAN-600 radio telescope and data from the CATS astrophysical catalogs support system. The analysis revealed a very small number (1–2%) of “classical” GPS objects, which is significantly less than the expected fraction of 10%. GPS galaxies are found to have narrower and steeper radio spectra than quasars. The low-frequency part of the spectrum is seen to become steeper with increasing redshift. Galaxies and quasars at the same z have comparable angular sizes, whereas their luminosities may differ by one order of magnitude. At large redshifts there is a deficit of objects with low (several GHZ) peak frequencies. The number of GPS galaxies decreases sharply with redshift, and most of them are found at z between 0.01 and 1.81. GPS quasars are found at large redshifts, from 0.11 to 3.99. A quarter of the sample consists of blazars whose spectra may temporarily have a convex shape when the object is in active state.     

The Hubble relation for a comprehensive sample of QSOs

A correlation between redshifts (z) and apparent magnitudes (V) (Hubble relation) of Quasi Stellar Objects (QSOs) has long been sought. Such a correlation exists for galaxies whose redshifts are of cosmological origin. However, a plot of the two quantities representing the Hubble diagram for QSOs exhibits, in general, a wild scatter. This raises the question whether redshifts of QSOs are cosmological. On the other hand, most luminous QSOs in groups, and subsamples with particular properties, have been reported to show the Hubble relation. In the present paper, we analyse all optically non-variable QSOs in a comprehensive sample. In our analysis we grouped the objects into certain intervals of apparent magnitudes. Correlations obtained between redshifts and magnitudes are all statistically robust. Also, the Hubble relation in the usual formV = 5 logz +C is obeyed very convincingly for QSOs withV < 19.5.