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Optical and Hubble Space Telescope ultraviolet spectropolarimetry of 3C 273 and PG 1114+445New optical spectropolarimetry and broad-band measurements, made during periods when the linear polarization of the quasar 3C 273 was no greater than 1 pct, are combined with ultraviolet polarization measurements made with the Faint Object Spectrograph of the Hubble Space Telescope. Very weak UV polarization during the time of observation is seen in the HST measurements, which is consistent with the completely unpolarized UV continuum and emission lines. Optical spectropolarimetry, however, reveals polarized light, the source of which is consistent with a nonthermal component, diluted by other unpolarized emission sources, such as the 'big blue bump'. Optical spectropolarimetry of the radio-quiet quasar PG 1114+445 is also presented. The polarization of this QSO is thought to result from scattering by dust external to the narrow-line region. 3C 273 and PG 1114+445 are useful in illustrating the range of polarizing mechanisms which can operate in low-polarization QSOs.
Document ID
19930053789
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Smith, Paul S.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Schmidt, Gary D.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Allen, Richard G.
(Steward Observatory Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 409
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
93A37786
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-1630
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-91-14087
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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