A multiple pulsar model for quasi-stellar objects and active galactic nuclei.
Abstract
We assume that there have existed small ( 100 pc) central regions in galaxies where the rate of pulsar- forming supernova events is high ( yr- 1). The supernova remnants in these regions largely overlap and constitute ideal environments for the production of and radiation from high-energy particles. Certain aspects of active galactic nuclei-luminosity (thermal and nonthermal fractions, fluctuations, cosmical dispersion), geometry (size, structure, apparent expansion rates), evolution (with redshift)-can be treated naturally with any such supernova remnant model. We calculate in the context of the specific magnetic dipole model of pulsars, expected distributions of electromagnetic fields, particle energies, and emitted radiation, and find that, within the accuracy of the calculations, there is rough agreement between computed quantities and observed properties of active galactic nuclei and QSOs. Filaments of thermal gas created during the supernova explosions will be both contained and accelerated by the pressure of the nonthermal gas. Assuming an element size of 1030 g, we find that emission and absorption lines will be successively produced (in rough agreement with observations) by gas elements as they are accelerated out of the nucleus and reach final velocities of approximately 1 0 km s '. Large excursions in total luminosity will occur when strong new pulsars are formed. The temporal behavior (rapid rise, slower decay) and polarization characteristics (maximum polarization at maximum light) of these fluctuations are again consonant with present, very limited, observational material. Because the new pulsar's field triggers the release of the stored particles' energy, large outbursts can contain energy exceeding that of an individual pulsar. Subject headings: galactic nuclei - pulsars - quasi-stellar sources or objects - supernovae
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- June 1975
- DOI:
- 10.1086/153647
- Bibcode:
- 1975ApJ...198..687A
- Keywords:
-
- Active Galactic Nuclei;
- Astronomical Models;
- Pulsars;
- Quasars;
- Supernovae;
- Absorption Spectra;
- Field Theory (Physics);
- Gravitational Waves;
- Luminous Intensity;
- Supernova Remnants;
- Astrophysics