Far-Ultraviolet Spectra of AGN: First Results from FUSE
Abstract
Description
Composite spectra derived from HST observations of moderate redshift (z~1) quasars show that the peak of the spectral energy distribution is at ~1000 A, and that the ionizing continuum falls off smoothly to shorter wavelengths as $f_ν\sim ν^{-1.8}$. HUT and FUSE observations of nearby AGN (e.g., 3C 273) show similar results. FUSE spectra reveal a wealth of detail in the 912-1200 A spectral range, including multi-component intrinsic absorption in the O VI doublet and Lyb, and surprisingly strong narrow-line emission from O VI 1032,1038. Monitoring observations of AGN below 1200 A are feasible, and such experiments could help to unravel the structure of intrinsic absorbers in AGN as well as the highest ionization portions of the broad-line region.
17 pages, 11 figures, to appear in the proceedings of the GSFC workshop on "Probing the Physics of AGN by Multiwavelength Monitoring"
17 pages, 11 figures, to appear in the proceedings of the GSFC workshop on "Probing the Physics of AGN by Multiwavelength Monitoring"