On the Variability of the Compact Nonthermal Sources
Abstract
The shortest time scales of flux variability are plotted against the luminosities for a sample of BL Lac objects, quasars, and Seyfert nuclei. A lower limit to the time scales of variability expected from an accreting black hole is derived. All objects in our sample show time scales equal to or greater than this limit. The expected positions of supermassive stars and oblique rotators on the time- diagram are also discussed. Subject headings: black holes - quasi-stellar sources or objects - Seyfert galaxies - spectrum variables
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- August 1974
- DOI:
- 10.1086/181575
- Bibcode:
- 1974ApJ...192L...3E