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Absolute spectral energy distribution of quasi-stellar objects from 0.3 to 10 microns
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1979
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Quasars’ spectral energy distributions have been measured across the 0.3–10 µm range. The study measured energy distributions of 24 quasars spanning 0.3–10 µm, selecting objects from both radio and optical surveys. The spectra are roughly power‑law (slope ≈ –1) with substantial variation, steeper 1–3 µm slopes than 0.3–1 µm, greater power at 0.3 and 3 µm, and the emission is largely nonthermal with possible dust contributions near 1 µm. Published in The Astrophysical Journal (May 1979), DOI 10.1086/157063.
view Abstract Citations (375) References (52) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Absolute spectral energy distribution of quasi-stellar objects from 0.3 to 10 microns. Neugebauer, G. ; Oke, J. B. ; Becklin, E. E. ; Matthews, K. Abstract Energy distributions of 24 quasrs have been measured from 0.3 to 10 microns. In addition, optical emission-line strengths have been obtained for 35 quasars. The sample includes quasars discovered from both radio and optical surveys. Over the observed range of wavelengths the energy distributions are roughly characterized by a power law of slope -1, but there are vast differences in the shapes of individual spectra. In the rest frame the average slope between 1 and 3 microns is significantly steeper than the average slope between 0.3 and 1 micron; the power emitted at 0.3 and 3 microns is significantly greater than that emitted around 1 micron. On the basis of arguments of variability and the shape of the energy distribution between optical and radio wavelengths, it is concluded that the bulk of the radiation in the observed range results from nonthermal processes. Some contribution from thermal emission from dust cannot be ruled out and may explain the break in the spectra at 1 micron seen in many quasars. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: May 1979 DOI: 10.1086/157063 Bibcode: 1979ApJ...230...79N Keywords: Astronomical Spectroscopy; Infrared Spectra; Quasars; Spectral Energy Distribution; Graphs (Charts); Spectral Line Width; Tables (Data); Astrophysics; Emission Lines:Quasars; Quasars:Spectrophotometry; Quasars:Variations full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (39) NED (37)