Discovery of a Classic FR II Broad Absorption Line Quasar from the FIRST Survey

Abstract

We have discovered a remarkable quasar, FIRST J101614.3+520916, whose optical spectrum shows unambiguous broad absorption features, while its double-lobed radio morphology and luminosity clearly indicate a classic Fanaroff-Riley type II radio source. Its radio luminosity places it at the extreme of the recently established class of radio-loud broad absorption line quasars. Because of its hybrid nature we speculate that FIRST J101614.3+520916 is a typical FR II quasar that has been rejuvenated as a broad absorption line (BAL) quasar with a compact steep spectrum core. The direction of the jet axis of FIRST J101614.3+520916 can be estimated from its radio structure and optical brightness, indicating that we are viewing the system at a viewing angle of 40°. The position angles of the radio jet and optical polarization are not well aligned, differing by ~20°-30°. When combined with the evidence presented by Becker and coworkers for a sample of 29 BAL quasars showing that at least some BAL quasars are viewed along the jet axis, the implication is that no preferred viewing orientation is necessary to observe BAL systems in a quasar's spectrum. This, and the probable young nature of compact steep spectrum sources, leads naturally to the alternate hypothesis that BALs are an early stage in the lives of quasars.