Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Space Telescope And Optical Reverberation Mapping Project. Ix. Velocity–Delay Maps For Broad Emission Lines In Ngc 5548, Keith Horne, G. De Rosa, B. M. Peterson, A. J. Barth, Vardha N. Bennert, Y. Zu

Physics

In this contribution, we achieve the primary goal of the active galactic nucleus (AGN) STORM campaign by recovering velocity–delay maps for the prominent broad emission lines (Lyα, C IV, He II, and Hβ) in the spectrum of NGC 5548. These are the most detailed velocity–delay maps ever obtained for an AGN, providing unprecedented information on the geometry, ionization structure, and kinematics of the broad-line region. Virial envelopes enclosing the emission-line responses show that the reverberating gas is bound to the black hole. A stratified ionization structure is evident. The He II response inside 5–10 lt-day has a broad single-peaked velocity …