Abstract
CONWAY and Gilbert1 have noted that the mean linear polarisation at wavelength λ 49 cm of highly redshifted quasars is significantly less for those with optical absorption lines compared with those with none. They suggested that the cause was Faraday depolarisation in the same regions responsible for the absorption lines. Gardner and Whiteoak2 pointed out similar differences between the two quasar types at λλ 11 cm and 6 cm. They regarded lower intrinsic polarisation of absorption-line quasars as a more likely explanation. Both findings were based on extremely small statistical samples. Subsequently much more data have become available at both optical and radio wavelengths. The significance of absorption-line quasars has also been enhanced. We therefore undertook a study using today' greater set of data.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Conway, R. G. & Gilbert, J. A. Nature 226, 332 (1970).
Gardner, F. F. & Whiteoak, J. B. Nature 227, 585 (1970).
Wardle, J. F. C. & Kronberg, P. P. Astrophys. J. 194, 249 (1974).
Altschuler, D. R. & Wardle, J. F. C. Mem. R. astr. Soc. 82, 1 (1976).
Kronberg, P. P. & Wardle, J. F. C. Astr. J. (in the press).
Wright, W. E. thesis, California Institute of Technology (1973).
Gardner, F. F., Whiteoak, J. B. & Morris, D. Aust. J. Phys., Astrophys. Suppl. 35, 1 (1975).
Haves, P., Conway, R. G. & Stannard, D. Mon. Not. R. astr. Soc. 169, 117 (1974).
Kronberg, P. P. & Conway, R. G. Mon. Not. R. astr. Soc. 147, 149 (1970).
Conway, R. G., Gilbert, J. A., Kronberg, P. P. & Strom, R. G. Mon. Not. R. astr. Soc. 157, 443 (1972).
Burbridge, G. R., Crowne, A. H. & Smith, H. E. Astrophys. J. Suppl. 33, 113 (1977).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
SEIELSTAD, G. Radio polarisation of quasars with optical absorption spectra. Nature 270, 502–503 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/270502b0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/270502b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.