Previous | Session 110 | Next
D. L. Martino, W. F. Welsh (San Diego State University)
We present an analysis of the broad H\beta line profile variations in the Seyfert~1 AGN NGC~5548. We examine previously published high quality "International AGN Watch" continuum and line flux light curves spanning 5 years. A new interpolation method that uses a random walk to patch gaps in the light curve is employed, allowing the use of the standard cross correlation function to measure a time lag between the continuum and line variations. The lag, due to the light travel time across the broad line emitting region, provides a characteristic timescale and hence radius of the BLR. We confirm earlier 12-20 day lags estimates for the total H\beta versus continuum fluctuations, but also find the blue wing lags behind the red wing by several days, suggesting inflow of material. We also find a weak but significant correlation between the ratio (red/blue) wing line flux and system luminosity.
Previous | Session 110 | Next
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 5
© 2004. The American Astronomical Society.