2007ApJ...668L.107M -
Astrophys. J., 668, L107-L110 (2007/October-3)
Dust in the wind: crystalline silicates, corundum, and periclase in PG 2112+059.
MARKWICK-KEMPER F., GALLAGHER S.C., HINES D.C. and BOUWMAN J.
Abstract (from CDS):
We have determined the mineralogical composition of dust in the broad absorption line (BAL) quasar PG 2112+059 using mid-infrared spectroscopy obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope. From spectral fitting of the solid state features, we find evidence for Mg-rich amorphous silicates with olivine stoichiometry, as well as the first detection of corundum (Al_ 2O3_) and periclase (MgO) in quasars. This mixed composition provides the first direct evidence for a clumpy density structure of the grain-forming region. The silicates in total encompass 56.5%±1.4% of the identified dust mass, while corundum takes up 38±3 wt.%. Depending on the choice of continuum, a range of mass fractions is observed for periclase ranging from 2.7%±1.7% in the most conservative case to 9%±2% in a less-constrained continuum. In addition, we identify a feature at 11.2 µm as the crystalline silicate forsterite, with only a minor contribution from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The 5%±3% crystalline silicate fraction requires high temperatures such as those found in the immediate quasar environment in order to counteract rapid destruction from cosmic rays.
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Journal keyword(s):
ISM: Dust, Extinction - Galaxies: Active - Galaxies: Quasars: Emission Lines - Galaxies: Quasars: Individual: Alphanumeric: PG 2112+059
Simbad objects:
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