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Context.Quasar outflows are often analyzed to determine their ability to contribute to active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback. We identified a broad absorption line (BAL) outflow in the VLT/UVES spectrum of the quasar SDSS J1321−0041. The outflow shows troughs from Fe II, and is thus categorized as an FeLoBAL. This outfow is unusual among the population of FeLoBAL outflows, as it displays C IIand Si IIBALs. Aims.Outflow systems require a kinetic luminosity above ∼0.5% of the quasar’s luminosity to contribute to AGN feedback. For this reason, we analyzed the spectrum of J1321−0041 to determine the outflow’s kinetic luminosity, as well as the quasar’s bolometric luminosity. Methods.We measured the ionic column densities from the absorption troughs in the spectrum and determined the hydrogen column density and ionization parameter using those column densities as our constraints. We also determined the electron number density,ne, based on the ratios between the excited-state and resonance-state column densities of Fe IIand Si II. This allowed us to find the distance of the outflow from its central source, as well as its kinetic luminosity. Results.We determined the kinetic luminosity of the outflow to be 8.4−5.4+13.7 × 1045 erg s−1and the quasar’s bolometric luminosity to be 1.72 ± 0.13 × 1047 erg s−1, resulting in a ratio ofĖk/LBol = 4.8−3.1+8.0%. We conclude that this outflow has a sufficiently high kinetic luminosity to contribute to AGN feedback.
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This content will become publicly available on March 1, 2026
An energetic absorption outflow in QSO J1402+2330: Analysis of DESI observations
Context.Quasar outflows play a significant role in the active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback, impacting the interstellar medium and potentially influencing galaxy evolution. Characterizing these outflows is essential for understanding AGN-driven processes. Aims.We aim to analyze the physical properties of the mini-broad absorption line outflow in quasar J1402+2330 using data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) survey. We seek to measure the outflow’s location, energetics, and potential impact on AGN feedback processes. Methods.In the spectrum of J1402+2330, we identify multiple ionic absorption lines, including ground and excited states. We measure the ionic column densities and then use photoionization models to determine the total hydrogen column density and ionization parameter of the outflow. We utilized the population ratio of the excited state to the ground state of N IIIand S IVto determine the electron number density. Results.The derived electron number density, combined with the ionization parameter, indicates an outflow distance of approximately 2.2 kpc from the central source. Having a mass outflow rate of more than one thousand solar masses per year and a kinetic energy output exceeding 5% of the Eddington luminosity, this outflow can significantly contribute to AGN feedback. Conclusions.Our findings suggest the absorption outflow in J1402+2330 plays a potentially significant role in AGN feedback processes. This study highlights the value of DESI data in exploring AGN feedback mechanisms.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2106249
- PAR ID:
- 10613903
- Publisher / Repository:
- Astronomy & Astrophysics
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Astronomy & Astrophysics
- Volume:
- 695
- ISSN:
- 0004-6361
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- A4
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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