He II lambda 1640/lambda 4686 and Ly-alpha/H-beta ratios in the extraordinary Seyfert galaxy Markarian 359

Abstract

The exceptionally narrow-lined Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 359 is ideally suited for determining reddening via the He II lambda 1640/lambda 4686 emission-line ratio. Here the validity of He II lines as a reddening indicator for quasars and Seyfert galaxies is reexamined and confirmed in the context of the most complete photoionization models available. In addition, lambda 1640 equivalent width measurements are shown to support previous contentions of substantial differences between observed and intrinsic quasar far-ultraviolet continua. Then IUE satellite and ground-based spectral data are presented, with the surprising result that both the lambda 1640/lambda 4686 and Ly-alpha/H-beta ratios do not differ greatly from case B recombination values in Mrk 359. This object is only slightly reddened, and it shows no evidence for extended, high-optical-depth H(+)/H(0) transition regions in the line-emitting gas. The very narrow lines and lack of deep transition regions and/or reddening may be related. In addition, Mrk 359 has low luminosity compared with most other Seyfert 1 galaxies, measured emission lines suggest an unusually high ionization parameter, and there is a hint of low nitrogen abundance. Further work is needed to examine possible relationships among all these peculiar properties.