Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We present a rare signature of reacceleration in a C iv broad absorption line (BAL) of the quasar SDSS J083817.00+295526.5. This quasar showcases three distinct BAL systems, labeled as systems A, B, and C. Notably, system A, which boasts the highest velocity of ∼−22,000 km s−1, initially demonstrates a deceleration of ∼3160 km s−1 in its C iv ion over a rest-frame period of ∼2.3 yr. Subsequently, it exhibits an acceleration of ∼−3366 km s−1 over a rest-frame period of ∼2.6 yr. To elucidate the nature of these signatures, we conducted a thorough analysis, focusing on the ionization state, location, and variation situation of the three BAL systems. Our findings reveal that system A exhibits higher velocities, higher ionization states, and is situated closer to the central source compared to systems B and C. Collectively, these characteristics suggest that the outflow generating system A is located in an exceptionally extreme environment and experiences more pronounced impacts from background radiation energy than systems B and C. Given the currently limited observational data, the physical origin of this peculiar reacceleration phenomenon remains an open question. We briefly discuss several possibilities and hypothesize that the outflow winds initially interact with ambient galactic material, causing their deceleration, and are subsequently reaccelerated by the radiation pressure from the central source.
Source: The Astrophysical Journal
Authors: Ying-Ru 樱如 Lin 林, Wei-Jian 伟坚 Lu 陆
Institution: Baise University
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,499
Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Yale University, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Vanderbilt University, Ohio State University, University of Washington, Johns Hopkins University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Notre Dame, University of Portsmouth, New Mexico State University, York University, University of Oxford, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação, Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Province, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Max-Planck-Institut für Astrophysik, Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie, Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, Office of Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Leibniz-Gemeinschaft, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Awards: G1303232525, G1994821369, G2015090919
OpenAlex ID: W4409867151