Astron. Astrophys. 330, 419-422 (1998)

Dramatic emission line variations in QSO Kaz 102
and possible causes ^*

J.A. de Diego ¹, D. Dultzin-Hacyan ¹, E. Bentez ¹ and K.L. Thompson <sup>2

1</sup> Instituto de Astronoma - UNAM, Apdo. 70-264, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 México D.F., Mexico
² Royal Greenwich Observatory, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0EZ, UK

Received 28 August 1997 / Accepted 8 September 1997

Abstract

We report optical spectroscopic observations of the radio-quiet quasar Kaz 102. We find impressive variations of the H emission line both in shape and intensity. H dimms by 40%, and develops a blue asymmetry within a few years. The continuum level also decreases by a similar amount. We discuss the results in terms of the kinematics of the BLR (Broad Line Region), and consider several plausible scenarios: The association of the BLR to Supernovae Remnants evolving in a dense medium, the emission from two BLRs in a binary black hole system, emission from clouds whose motion is predominantly radial coupled with light echoes, and variations in the distribution of a small number of clouds.

Key words: quasars: emission lines quasars: individual: Kaz 102=Q 1803+676

* Based on observations made at the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional at San Pedro Mártir, Baja California

Send offprint requests to: J.A. de Diego

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Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Observations and data reduction
• 3. Results
• 4. Interpretation
• Acknowledgements
• References

© European Southern Observatory (ESO) 1998

Online publication: January 16, 1998
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