Unveiling the Engines in QSOS: A Multiwavelength Study (LTSA)

Abstract

Use of a single large, well-defined quasar sample and consistent emission-line measurements allows us to sensitively detect many correlations, most of which have been previously noted. Our new finding (2001 ApJ, 556,727) is a significant evolution of iron line strength in quasars with cosmic time. We showed that evolution dominates over luminosity effects for most emission lines. This may reflect evolution in abundances, in cloud covering factors, or overall cloud conditions such as density and ionization. We have now completed uniform measurements of a large sample of quasars with pre-COSTAR HST spectroscopy, which will extend the luminosity and redshift range of such spectral studies and provide even stronger tests of spectral evolution in the coming year.