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Abstract Measuring the distance of quasar outflows from the central source (R) is essential for determining their importance for active galactic nucleus feedback. There are two methods to measureR: (1) a direct determination using spatially resolved integral field spectroscopy (IFS) of the outflow in emission and (2) an indirect method that uses the absorption troughs from ionic excited states. The column density ratio between the excited and resonance states yields the outflow number density. Combined with a knowledge of the outflow’s ionization parameter,Rcan be determined. Generally, the IFS method probes anRrange of several kiloparsecs or more, while the absorption method usually yieldsRvalues of less than 1 kpc. There is no inconsistency between the two methods as the determinations come from different objects. Here we report the results of applying both methods to the same quasar outflow, where we derive consistent determinations ofR≈ 5 kpc. This is the first time that the indirect absorptionRdetermination is verified by a direct spatially resolved IFS observation. In addition, the velocities (and energetics) from the IFS and absorption data are found to be consistent. Therefore, these are two manifestations of the same outflow. In this paper we concentrate on the absorptionRdetermination for the outflow seen in quasar 3C 191 using Very Large Telescope/X-shooter observations. We also reanalyze an older absorption determination for the outflow based on Keck/High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer data and find the revised measurement to be consistent with ours. Our companion paper details the IFS analysis of the same object. 

ABSTRACT We have identified a broad absorption line (BAL) outflow in the HST/STIS spectrum of the quasar QSO B0254-3327B at velocity v = −3200 km s−1. The outflow has absorption troughs from ions such as Ne viii, Na ix, Si xii, and Ne v. We also report the first detection of S xiv absorption troughs, implying very high ionization. Via measurement of the ionic column densities, photoionization analysis, and determination of the electron number density of the outflow, we found the kinetic luminosity of the outflow system to be up to ∼1 per cent of the quasar’s Eddington luminosity, or ∼5 per cent of the bolometric luminosity, making it a potential contributor to AGN feedback. A solution with two ionization phases was needed, as a single phase was not sufficient to satisfy the constraints from the measured ionic column densities. We find that the ionization parameter of the very high-ionization phase of the outflow is within the expected range of an X-ray warm absorber. We also examined the physical properties of the outflow of Q0254-334 along with previously studied extreme UV outflows, with a total sample of 24 outflow systems, finding a weak negative correlation between outflow velocity and distance from the central source, with larger distances corresponding to slower velocities. The very high-ionization phase of the Q0254-334 outflow has one of the highest ionization parameters of UV absorption outflows to date, which we attribute to the presence of S xiv. 

ABSTRACT In the Hubble Space Telescope/Cosmic Origins Spectrograph spectrum of the Seyfert 1 galaxy 2MASX J14292507+4518318, we have identified a narrow absorption line outflow system with a velocity of −151 km s−1. This outflow exhibits absorption troughs from the resonance states of ions like C iv, N v, S iv, and Si ii, as well as excited states from C ii* and Si ii*. Our investigation of the outflow involved measuring ionic column densities and conducting photoionization analysis. These allow the total column density of the outflow to be estimated as log NH = 19.84 cm−2, its ionization parameter to be log UH = −2.0, and its electron number density to be log ne = 2.75 cm−3. These measurements enabled us to determine the mass-loss rate and the kinetic luminosity of the outflow system to be $$\dot{M}$$ = 0.22 $$\mathrm{ M}_{\odot } \, \mathrm{ yr}^{-1}$$ and $$\log \dot{E_{\mathrm{ K}}}$$ = 39.3 erg s−1, respectively. We have also measured the location of the outflow system to be at ∼275 pc from the central source. This outflow does not contribute to the active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback processes due to the low ratio of the outflow’s kinetic luminosity to the AGN’s Eddington luminosity ($$\dot{E_{\mathrm{ K}}}/{L_{\mathrm{ Edd}}}\approx 0.00025 {{\, \rm per\, cent}}$$). This outflow is remarkably similar to the two bipolar lobe outflows observed in the Milky Way by XMM–Newton and Chandra. 

ABSTRACT We found a broad absorption line (BAL) outflow in the VLT/UVES spectrum of the quasar SDSS J235702.54−004824.0, in which we identified four subcomponents. We measured the column densities of the ions in one of the subcomponents (v = −1600 km s−1), which include O i and Fe ii. We found the kinetic luminosity of this component to be at most $$\sim 2.4{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$$ of the quasar’s Eddington luminosity. This is near the amount required to contribute to active galactic nucleus feedback. We also examined the time variability of a C iv mini-BAL found at v = −8700 km s−1, which shows a shallower and narrower absorption feature attached to it in previous SDSS observations from 2000 to 2001, but not in the spectra from 2005 and onwards. 

ABSTRACT We analyse the VLT/UVES spectrum of the quasar SDSS J143907.5-010616.7, retrieved from the UVES Spectral Quasar Absorption Database. We identify two outflow systems in the spectrum: a mini broad absorption line (mini-BAL) system and a narrow absorption line (NAL) system. We measure the ionic column densities of the mini-BAL ($$v$$ = −1550 km s−1) outflow, which has excited state absorption troughs of $${\rm Fe\, \rm {\small {ii}}}$$. We determine that the electron number density $$\log {n_e}=3.4^{+0.1}_{-0.1}$$, based on the ratios between the excited and ground state abundances of $${\rm Fe\, \rm {\small {ii}}}$$, and find the kinetic luminosity of the outflow to be $${\lesssim}0.1\,\hbox{per cent}$$ of the quasar’s Eddington luminosity, making it insufficient to contribute to AGN feedback. 

ABSTRACT We present the analysis of the absorption troughs of six outflows observed in quasar SDSS J1130 + 0411 ($$z$$ ≈ 3.98) with radial velocities ranging from −2400 to $$-15\, 400$$ km s−1. These spectra were taken with the Very Large Telescope/Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph over the rest-frame wavelength range of 1135–1890 Å. In the main outflow system ($$v$$ ≈ −3200 km s−1), we identify Fe ii and several Fe ii* absorption troughs, as well as Si ii and Si ii* troughs, which we use to determine the electron number density $$\log n_e = 2.6_{-0.7}^{+0.8}$$ cm−3. Using the column densities of these and other ions, we determine a photoionization solution with hydrogen column density $$\log N_H = 21.44_{-0.33}^{+0.24}$$ cm−2 and ionization parameter $$\log U_H = -1.75_{-0.45}^{+0.28}$$. From these values, we derive the distance $$R = 16_{-11}^{+23}$$ kpc, the average mass flow rate $$\dot{M} = 4100_{-2400}^{+6600}$$ M⊙ yr−1, and the kinetic luminosity $$\log \dot{E}_k = 46.13_{-0.37}^{+0.41}$$ erg s−1. This $$\dot{E}_k$$ is $$1.4_{-0.8}^{+2.2}$$ per cent of the quasar’s Eddington luminosity, and therefore contributes significantly to AGN feedback. 

Abstract We analyze Very Large Telescope/UVES observations of the quasar SDSS J024221.87+004912.6. We identify four absorption outflow systems: a Civbroad absorption line (BAL) atv≈ −18,000 km s⁻¹and three narrower low-ionization systems with centroid velocities ranging from –1200 to –3500 km s⁻¹. These outflows show similar physical attributes to the [Oiii] outflows studied by Liu et al. (2013). We find that two of the systems are energetic enough to contribute to active galactic nucleus feedback, with one system reaching above 5% of the quasar’s Eddington luminosity. We also find that this system is at a distance of 67 kpc away from the quasar, the farthest detected mini-BAL absorption outflow from its central source to date. In addition, we examine the time-variability of the BAL and find that its velocity monotonically increases, while the trough itself becomes shallower over time. 

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. 

Context.The study of quasar outflows is essential for understanding the connection between active galactic nuclei (AGN) and their host galaxies. We analyzed the VLT/UVES spectrum of quasar SDSS J0932+0840 and identified several narrow and broad outflow components in absorption, with multiple ionization species including Fe II. This places it among the rare class of outflows known as iron low-ionization broad absorption line outflows (FeLoBALs). Aims.We studied one of the outflow components to determine its physical characteristics by determining the total hydrogen column density, the ionization parameter, and the hydrogen number density. Through these parameters, we obtained the distance of the outflow from the central source, its mass outflow rate, and its kinetic luminosity, and we constrained the contribution of the outflow to the AGN feedback. Methods.We obtained the ionic column densities from the absorption troughs in the spectrum and used photoionization modeling to extract the physical parameters of the outflow, including the total hydrogen column density and ionization parameter. The relative population of the observed excited states of Fe IIwas used to model the hydrogen number density of the outflow. Results.We used the Fe IIexcited states to model the electron number density (n_e) and hydrogen number density (n_H) independently and obtainedn_e≃ 10^3.4cm⁻³andn_H≃ 10^4.8cm⁻³. Our analysis of the physical structure of the cloud shows that these two results are consistent with each other. This places the outflow system at a distance of 0.7_−0.4^+0.9kpc from the central source, with a mass flow rate (Ṁ) of 43₋₂₆⁺⁶⁵ M_⊙yr⁻¹and a kinetic luminosity (Ė_k) of 0.7_−0.4^+1.1× 10⁴³erg s⁻¹. This is 0.5_−0.3^+0.7× 10⁻⁴of the Eddington luminosity (L_Edd) of the quasar, and we thus conclude that this outflow is not powerful enough to contribute significantly toward AGN feedback. 

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,n_e, 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 ofĖ_k/L_Bol = 4.8_−3.1^+8.0%. We conclude that this outflow has a sufficiently high kinetic luminosity to contribute to AGN feedback.