Blue Outliers Research Articles

Properties of radio-loud quasars in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

We present a study of a sample of 223 radio-loud quasars (up to redshift < 0.3) in order to investigate their spectral properties. Twenty-six of these radio-loud quasars are identified as flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs), and 54 are identified as steep-spectrum radio quasars (SSRQs) based on their radio spectral index. We study the [O III] line properties of these quasars to investigate the origin and properties of blue wings (shift of the profile toward lower wavelengths) and blue outliers (shift of the whole spectroscopic feature). Most of the quasars show blue wings with velocities of up to 420 km s−1. We find that about 17% of the quasars show outliers whose velocities span from 419 to −315 km s−1. Finally, we revisit the MBH − σ relation of our sample using the [S II]λ 6716,6731 and [O III] line widths as surrogates for stellar velocity dispersions, σ, to investigate their location on the MBH − σ relation for quiescent galaxies. Because [S II] is strongly blended with Hα, we were able to estimate σ[S II] for only 123 quasars. We find that the radio-loud quasars do not show a relationship between MBH and σ[S II]/[O III] up to a redshift of 0.3, although they cluster around the local relation. We find an overall offset of 0.12 ± 0.05 dex of our sample of radio-loud quasars from the MBH − σ relation of quiescent galaxies. Quasars in our highest redshift bin (z = 0.25 − 0.3) show a deviation of ∼0.33 ± 0.06 dex from the local relation. Implications of the results are discussed.

A Secure W2 Detection of WD 0806-661B from CatWISE

The WD 0806-661 system consists of a DQ white dwarf primary at 19.26 pc (Gaia Collaboration et al. 2018) and an extremely cold common proper motion companion at 130'' separation (WD 0806-661B; Luhman et al. 2011). Given its absolute magnitude at Spitzer [4.5], the cold companion is presumed to be either a Y type brown dwarf or giant planet. At a projected physical separation of ~2500 au, WD 0806-661B represents the widest known definitively planetary-mass companion, and may provide important insights into the processes of star and planet formation. Unlike most Y dwarfs, WD 0806-661B has lacked a secure detection at 4.6 μm in the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE; Wright et al. 2010) W2 channel. WD 0806-661B was reported as a low-significance detection in the WISE All-Sky Source Catalog (Cutri et al. 2012), with W2 = 17.68 ± 0.41 (J080715.32-661851.6, w2snr = 2.5). No detection of a WD 0806-661B counterpart is reported in the AllWISE Source Catalog, although the AllWISE Reject Table contains a low-significance positional match (J080715.34-661852.1) with W2 = 17.85 ± 0.41 (Cutri et al. 2013). Both the All-Sky and AllWISE Reject best-fit W2 magnitudes, if taken at face value, would make WD 0806-661B a very blue outlier among Y dwarfs in [4.5]−W2 color, given that the W2 and [4.5] magnitudes of known Y dwarfs generally agree to within ~0.1 mag.

Asymmetric emission of the [OIII]λ5007 profile in narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies

Context. Many active galactic nuclei (AGN) and particularly narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies, usually exhibit blueshifts and blue wings in several emission lines, which are mainly associated with outflows and strong winds. Although there is no clear evidence of the physical origin of the [OIII] blue wings, it has been suggested that they could be emitted from the inner parts of the narrow-line region (NLR). Aims. In order to study the radial velocity difference between the narrow component of Hβ and the core component of [OIII]λ5007 and the asymmetric emission of this forbidden line, we investigate a sample of NLS1 galaxies. One of the aims of this paper is to analyze the blue wings of the [OIII] 5007 profiles and their relation with the central engine. Methods. We have obtained and studied medium-resolution spectra (190 km s−1 FWHM at Hβ) of a sample of 28 NLS1 galaxies in the optical range 4300–5200 Å. We performed Gaussian decomposition to the Hβ and [OIII]λλ 4959,5007 emission profiles in order to study the distinct components of these lines. Results. A new blue outlier galaxy is found, in which the center of the core component of [OIII] is blueshifted by 405 km s−1 relative to the center of the narrow component of Hβ line. We confirmed a previously known correlation between the blueshift and the full width half maximum (FWHM) of the core component of [OIII]λ5007 line. We also corroborated the correlation between the latter and the velocity of the centroid of the blue wing. On the other hand, by studying the radial velocity difference between the blue end of the asymmetric emission and the centroid of the core component of [OIII], we found a correlation between it and the central black hole mass and, therefore, with the luminosity of the broad component of Hβ. Finally, we found a moderate correlation between the luminosity of the [OIII] blue wing and the black hole mass. Conclusions. These results suggest that the asymmetric emission of the [OIII] lines is related to the central engine, not only through the black hole but also in the intensity of the AGN, which is in agreement with previous results.

Candidate Hα emission and absorption line sources in the Galactic Bulge Survey

We present a catalogue of candidate H{\alpha} emission and absorption line sources and blue objects in the Galactic Bulge Survey (GBS) region. We use a point source catalogue of the GBS fields (two strips of (l x b) = (6 x 1) degrees centred at b = 1.5 above and below the Galactic centre), covering the magnitude range 16 < r' < 22.5. We utilize (r'-i', r'-H{\alpha}) colour-colour diagrams to select H{\alpha} emission and absorption line candidates, and also identify blue objects (compared to field stars) using the r'-i' colour index. We identify 1337 H{\alpha} emission line candidates and 336 H{\alpha} absorption line candidates. These catalogues likely contain a plethora of sources, ranging from active (binary) stars, early-type emission line objects, cataclysmic variables (CVs) and low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) to background active galactic nuclei (AGN). The 389 blue objects we identify are likely systems containing a compact object, such as CVs, planetary nebulae and LMXBs. Hot subluminous dwarfs (sdO/B stars) are also expected to be found as blue outliers. Crossmatching our outliers with the GBS X-ray catalogue yields sixteen sources, including seven (magnetic) CVs and one qLMXB candidate among the emission line candidates, and one background AGN for the absorption line candidates. One of the blue outliers is a high state AM CVn system. Spectroscopic observations combined with the multi-wavelength coverage of this area, including X-ray, ultraviolet and (time-resolved) optical and infrared observations, can be used to further constrain the nature of individual sources.

O III] line properties in two samples of radio-emitting narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies

The [O III] $\lambda\lambda$ 4959,5007 lines are a useful proxy to test the kinematic of the narrow-line region (NLR) in active galactic nuclei (AGN). In AGN, and particularly in narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (NLS1s) these lines often show few peculiar features, such as blue wings, often interpreted as outflowing component, and a shift $-$ typically toward lower wavelengths $-$ of the whole spectroscopic feature in some exceptional sources, the so-called blue outliers, which are often associated to strong winds. We investigated the incidence of these peculiarities in two samples of radio-emitting NLS1s, one radio-loud and one radio-quiet. We also studied a few correlations between the observational properties of the [O III] lines and those of the AGN. Our aim was to understand the difference between radio-quiet and radio-loud NLS1s, which may in turn provide useful information on the jet formation mechanism. We find that the NLR gas is much more perturbed in radio-loud than in radio-quiet NLS1s. In particular the NLR dynamics in $\gamma$-ray emitting NLS1s appears to be highly disturbed, and this might be a consequence of interaction with the relativistic jet. The less frequently perturbed NLR in radio-quiet NLS1s suggests instead that these sources likely do not harbor a fully developed relativistic jet. Nonetheless blue-outliers in radio-quiet NLS1s are observed, and we interpret them as a product of strong winds.

Blue outliers among intermediate redshift quasars

[Oiii]{\lambda}{\lambda}4959,5007 "blue outliers" -- that are suggestive of outflows in the narrow line region of quasars -- appear to be much more common at intermediate z (high luminosity) than at low z. About 40% of quasars in a Hamburg ESO intermediate-z sample of 52 sources qualify as blue outliers (i.e., quasars with [OIII] {\lambda}{\lambda}4959,5007 lines showing large systematic blueshifts with respect to rest frame). We discuss major findings on what has become an intriguing field in active galactic nuclei research and stress the relevance of blue outliers to feedback and host galaxy evolution.

New insights into AGNs with low-mass black holes and high accretion rates: the case of narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies

Narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies are believed to harbor low-mass black holes accreting at high rates, and they are therefore important targets when studying the nature of black hole growth, galaxy evolution, and accretion physics. We have rigorously studied the physical properties of a sample of NLS1 galaxies. We briefly review previous findings and present new results, including: (1) The locus of NLS1 galaxies on the MBH-σ plane, which we find to follow the relation of non-active galaxies after removing objects obviously dominated by outflows. (2) The presence of “blue outliers” which hint at extreme outflows as they would be predicted from merger models. (3) More subtle evidence for winds and outflows across the whole NLS1 population. (4) New correlations and trends which link black hole mass, Eddington ratio and physical parameters of the emission-line region. A new element is added to the eigenvector 1 space based on a principal component analysis, which aims at identifying the main drivers of AGN correlation properties.

Low-Mass AGN at High Accretion Rates

AbstractGalaxies with low-mass black holes and high accretion rates, i.e., narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies, are important objects when addressing the issues of black hole growth and evolution, and of feeding and feedback. We have studied a sample of such objects, and find (1) that the locus of NLS1 galaxies on the MBH–σ plane appears to follow the relation of non-active galaxies after removing objects obviously dominated by outflows, (2) the presence of “blue outliers” that hint at extreme outflows as predicted by recent merger models, and (3) more subtle evidence for winds/outflows across the whole NLS1 population.

On the Nature of Seyfert Galaxies with High [Oiii] λ5007 Blueshifts

We have studied the properties of Seyfert galaxies with high [O III] ?5007 blueshifts (blue outliers), originally identified because of their strong deviation from the -->MBH ? ? relation of normal, narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) and broad-line Seyfert 1 (BLS1) galaxies. These blue outliers turn out to be important test beds for models of the narrow-line region (NLR), for mechanisms of driving large-scale outflows, for links between NLS1 galaxies and radio galaxies, and for orientation-dependent NLS1 models. We report the detection of a strong correlation of line blueshift with ionization potential in each galaxy, including the measurement of coronal lines with radial velocities up to 500-1000 km s -->?1, and we confirm a strong correlation between [O III] blueshift and line width. All [O III] blue outliers have narrow widths of their broad Balmer lines and high Eddington ratios. While the presence of nonshifted low-ionization lines signifies the presence of a classical outer quiescent NLR in blue outliers, we also report the absence of any second, nonblueshifted [O III] component from a classical inner NLR. These results place tight constraints on NLR models. We favor a scenario in which the NLR clouds are entrained in a decelerating wind, which explains the strong stratification and the absence of a zero-blueshift inner NLR of blue outliers. The origin of the wind remains speculative at this time (collimated radio plasma, thermal winds, or radiatively accelerated clouds). It is perhaps linked to the high Eddington ratios of blue outliers. Similar, less powerful winds could be present in all Seyfert galaxies, but would generally only affect the coronal line region (CLR), or level off even before reaching the CLR. Similarities between blue outliers in NLS1 galaxies and (compact) radio sources are briefly discussed.

The blueshift of the [O III] emission line in narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies

We investigate the radial velocity difference between the narrow emission-line components of [O III] λ5007 and Hβ in a sample of 150 Sloan Digital Sky Survey narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies. Seven ‘blue outliers’ with [O III] blueshifted by more than 250 km s −1 are found. A strong correlation between the [O III] blueshift and the Eddington ratio is found for these seven ‘blue outliers’. For the entire sample, we found a modest correlation between the blueshift and the linewidth of the narrow component of the [O III] line. The reflected profile of [O III] indicates two kinematically and physically distinct regions. The [O III] linewidth depends not only on the bulge stellar gravitational potential, but also on the central black hole potential. Ke yw ords: galaxies: active ‐ galaxies: nuclei ‐ quasars: emission lines.

SDSS J022119.84+005628.4: A Radio-Loud Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 Galaxy with Star Formation in its Nucleus

The optical spectrum of SDSS J022119.84 + 005628.4 (RA = 02 h 21 m 19.84 s , Dec = 00 o 56' 28.4, J2000; z =0.399785 ± 0.000558) is analyzed by multi-component profile modelling. The small flux ratio of [O III] NC /H β (=0.78) and {FWHM}( {H} beta {BC}})= {1778.1p 85.9 km s -1 } led us to identify SDSS J022119.84 + 005628.4 as a Narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy with RFe=1.4 +1.0 -1.0 and intermediate radio loudness, log R =1.93. The continuum low jump at the Balmer limit might be contributed by a starburst component, which suggests that the object is a relatively young AGN with star-formation activity in its inner region. This provides a useful observational test of the AGN evolution. The low flux ratio of the narrow components, [ {i{O}{iii}}]/ {H}β = 1.62, and the prominent [O II]λ3727 emission, [O II]/[O III] = 2.24, suggests that there should be a group of AGNs different from Seyfert 2s when their broad line regions are obscured by the torus on the line of sight. A possible orientation effect is suggested to interpret the observed Seyfert 1.5s-like spectrum of the object. The spectrum features prominent broad blue wings of both [O III] λλ4959 and 5007. After excluding other possible contributions, we conclude that the broad components are emitted by [O III] itself. The material emitting the broad [O III] line is probably situated in a transient line region (with a low electron density, n e 7 cm -3 ) between the broad line region (BLR) and the narrow line region (NLR). The object can be classified as a ``blue outlier'' defined by Zamanov et al., according to its velocity shift upsilon r {([i{O}{iii}])=-293.6p.0 km s -1 }, relative to the systematic velocity.

Searching for the physical drivers of eigenvector 1: influence of black hole mass and Eddington ratio

We compute the virial mass (M) of the central black hole and the luminosity-to-mass (L/M) ratio of ≈300 low-z quasars and luminous type 1 Seyfert nuclei. We analyse the following: (1) whether radio-quiet and radio-loud objects show systematic differences in terms of M and L/M; (2) the influence of M and L/M on the shape of the Hβ broad component line profile; and (3) the significance of the so-called ‘blue outliers’, i.e. sources showing a significant blueshift of the [O iii]λλ4959,5007 lines with respect to the narrow component of Hβ, which is used as an estimator of the quasar reference frame. We show that M and L/M distributions for radio-quiet and radio-loud sources are probably different for samples matched in luminosity and redshift, in the sense that radio-quiet sources have systematically smaller masses and larger L/M. However, the L/M ratio distributions become indistinguishable if 8.5 < log M < 9.5. Line profile comparisons for median spectra computed over narrow ranges of M and L/M indicate that a Lorentz function provides a better fit for higher L/M sources and a double Gaussian for lower L/M values. A second (redshifted) Gaussian component at low L/M appears as a red asymmetry frequently observed in radio-loud and radio-quiet sources with broader (full width at half-maximum ≳4000 km s−1) Hβ broad component profiles. This component becomes stronger in larger mass and lower L/M sources. No specific influence of radio loudness on the Hβ broad component profile is detected, although equivalent widths of Hβ broad component and especially of [O iii]λλ4959,5007 are larger for radio-loud sources. We identify five more ‘blue outlier’ sources. Since these sources are, on average, one magnitude brighter than other active galactic nuclei with similar mass, their resulting Eddington ratio is 2–3 times higher. We hint at evolutionary effects that explain some of these results, and reinforce the ‘eigenvector 1’ correlations.

Kinematic Linkage between the Broad- and Narrow-Line–emitting Gas in Active Galactic Nuclei

We investigate the radial velocity difference between the [O III] λλ4959, 5007 and Hβ lines for a sample of ≈200 low-redshift active galactic nuclei. We identify seven objects showing an [O III] λ5007 blueshift relative to Hβ with an amplitude larger than 250 km s-1 (blue outliers). These line shifts are found in sources where the broad high-ionization lines (e.g., C IV λ1549) also show a large systematic blueshift. Such blueshifts occur only in the population A region of the Eigenvector 1 parameter domain (that also contains narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies). We suggest that [O III] λλ4959, 5007 blueshifts are also associated with the high-ionization outflow originating in these highly accreting sources. This is a direct kinematic linkage between narrow- and broad-line-emitting gas.