Evidence for a massive, dark gravitational lensing object in Q2345 + 007

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (10) References (25) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Evidence for a Massive, Dark Gravitational Lensing Object in Q2345+007 Duncan, Robert C. Abstract We analyze the narrow absorption line spectra of the double quasar Q2345 +007. The observed pattern of Lyα forest absorption lines gives evidence that the quasar is gravitationally lensed, with 4-to-1 odds in favor of lensing. If Q2345+007 is lensed by an object at z = 1.49, as suggested by observations of heavy-element absorption lines, then a low-luminosity lensing mass of ~10^13^ M_sun_ contained within a transverse distance ~40h^-1^_0_kpc is implied. The Lyα cloud diameters at Z~2 would then be 20+/-10h^-1^_0_kpc [q_0_=0.5] or 28.0+/-14h^-1^_0_kpc [q_0_=0]. If the quasar is not lensed, then the Lyα clouds are larger by a factor of 6.5. We suggest several observational tests which might verify the presence of a massive, dark, lensing object and elucidate its properties. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: July 1991 DOI: 10.1086/186083 Bibcode: 1991ApJ...375L..41D Keywords: Dark Matter; Gravitational Lenses; Quasars; Absorption Spectra; Astronomical Spectroscopy; Luminosity; Lyman Alpha Radiation; Astrophysics; DARK MATTER; GRAVITATIONAL LENSES; QUASARS full text sources ADS | data products NED (5) SIMBAD (2)