Astron. Astrophys. 327, 72-80 (1997)

The broad line region of narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies

Received 19 March 1997 / Accepted 9 June 1997

Abstract

We have analyzed new and archival IUE observations of narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (NLS1) in order to revise the ultraviolet (UV) properties of this sub-group of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). We have found broad wings in the strongest UV emission lines, ruling out the hypothesis that there is no broad line emission region in this type of objects. Since the similarities in spectral energy distributions from the far-infrared (FIR) to the soft X rays in both narrow-line and broad-line Seyfert 1 galaxies do not suggest that the nuclei of NLS1 are hidden from a direct view, we discuss the possibility that the line emitting material in NLS1 is optically thin.

Key words: galaxies: Seyfert galaxies: nuclei ultraviolet: galaxies X-rays: galaxies

* Affiliated to the Astrophysics Division, SSD, ESTEC

Send offprint requests to: Pedro M. Rodríguez-Pascual

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Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. The ultraviolet spectrum of NLS1
  • 2.1. The data
  • 2.2. Variability
  • 2.3. The continuum spectral energy distribution: comparison with normal Seyfert 1 galaxies
  • 2.4. Line profiles
• 3. Discussion
• 4. Summary
• Acknowledgements
• References

© European Southern Observatory (ESO) 1997

Online publication: April 8, 1998
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