MSSL Astrophysics Group Beginner's Guides
Broad Line Region
This model of the broad line region (BLR) is based on
the echo-mapping of nearby low-luminosity quasars. Echo-mapping is a
technique where all of the light from a quasar is monitored over several
weeks or months. The light from the BLR clouds (the emission lines) changes
in response to light from the centre (probably the accretion disc) -
effectively a light echo. The time it takes to change and the way it changes
indicates the distance and shape of the clouds' regions. The animation is
taking you around the outer low-ionization regions then zooming into the inner,
high-ionization zone.
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