Radiation Hydrodynamics of the Broad Line Region in Seyfert Galaxies and Quasars

Abstract

The broad line region in quasars and in the nuclei of active galaxies is the site of remarkable hydrodynamic activity unprecedented elsewhere in the universe. Considerable theoretical effort has been directed to determine how this intense radiation is related to high velocity gas motions in these small regions, which, because of their great distances, cannot be resolved by direct observation. A better theoretical understanding of the nature of the broad line-emitting gas involves many novel aspects of radiation hydrodynamics and may eventually provide insights into the nature of the mysterious quasar phenomenon itself.Continuum and emission line properties of active galaxies and quasars are sufficiently similar that there is little doubt that both can be accounted for by a similar or closely related physical model. The main difference is one of luminosity; typical quasars are considerably brighter than Seyfert galaxies.In the discussion below the relevant observations of quasars and active galaxies are briefly reviewed with an emphasis on the physical properties of the line-emitting gas and its immediate environment. Arguments that support the importance of radiation forces in producing the observed gas velocities are summarized. Finally, the nature of the acceleration process is described with particular attention paid to the various instabilities that may be present and which are generally characteristic of situations in which plasma velocities result directly from the deposition of radiative momentum. In fact, these troublesome instabilities suggest that radiative forces, although very strong, may provide only a partial explanation of the gasdynamical activity observed.