Black Hole TON618 - Wavelength Spectrum

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the wavelength spectrum of the black hole TON618, specifically focusing on the Lyman-alpha wavelength and its relationship to redshift (z). Participants explore the definitions and values of observed and emitted wavelengths, the implications of redshift, and the availability of raw data related to these measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the quoted Lyman-alpha wavelength of 121.567 nm is the observed or emitted wavelength, emphasizing the need for both to determine redshift (z).
  • Others assert that the emitted wavelength is confirmed as 121.567 nm and that the observed wavelength can be calculated using the redshift value z = 2.219.
  • One participant expresses frustration over the lack of available information on the actual observed wavelength, suggesting that it is critical for understanding the redshift calculation.
  • Another participant argues that the observed wavelength is less interesting than the redshift, which relates to all wavelengths emitted by the source and is more useful for comparisons.
  • Some participants highlight the importance of raw data and question the reliance on the Doppler effect for interpreting redshift, suggesting it may be controversial.
  • There is a contention regarding the acceptance of the cosmological interpretation of redshift, with some asserting it is widely accepted while others argue that it remains a topic of debate.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the importance of the observed wavelength versus redshift, and there are competing views regarding the interpretation of redshift and the relevance of the Doppler effect. The discussion remains unresolved on these points.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for baseline spectrum knowledge and the potential difficulty in locating original publications or datasets related to the observed wavelength. There is also a noted lack of clarity on the definitions and implications of redshift in the context of black hole observations.

  • #31
Orodruin said:
Then the answer to your original question is:

"The Lyman-alpha emitted wavelength is 121.567 nm.

You can easily compute the observed wavelength from the redshift value z = 2.219."

If you want the actual number, then ##1 + z = \lambda/\lambda_0## implies that
$$
\lambda = \lambda_0(1+z) = (121.567\ {\rm nm}) (1+2.219) \simeq 391.3\ {\rm nm}
$$

This is irrespective of whether you believe that the observed wavelength is 391.3 nm because the Universe expanded by a factor of 3.319 or not.
Thanks , but I had already acknowledged a misunderstanding. Again, the observed spectrum is what I wanted and did get posts ago.
 
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  • #32
Sorry to resurrect this thread but my question was actually answered by it. I'm wondering, is 391.3 supposed to be the location of the (wide) peak in this image? https://ned.ipac.caltech.edu/spc1/2000/2000ApJS..126..133W/FBQS_J122824.9+312837:S:w2000_sp.png (from https://ned.ipac.caltech.edu/byname?objname=FBQS+J122824.9+312837&hconst=67.8&omegam=0.308&omegav=0.692&wmap=4&corr_z=1, Spectra tab)
It seems the peak is more around 382.0. Earth's own motion won't change it by more than 0.1nm. Am I eyeballing the peak wrong?
Why is the peak so wide, is it the limitation of the instrument, or reality (high temperature, own motion, gravitational red shift, ...)?
Are there other databases of spectra? I can't find JADES-GS-z14-0 .
 
  • #33
I'd be very doubtful of eyeballing such a noisy curve.

I don't know much about that source, but line widths can be Doppler broadened. If that's hot gas orbiting rapidly around a black hole the velocities could be high.
 
  • #35
As a cosmological layman I believe that measurements of the distance extremely distant stellar objects is built upon quite a complex scale ladder which ultimately requires the use of Hubble's Law. First of all, is that belief correct? Secondly, if true, then are there any other methods which would substantiate the values estimated by Hubble's Law for such bodies as TON618?
 
  • #36
nanjo said:
As a cosmological layman I believe that measurements of the distance extremely distant stellar objects is built upon quite a complex scale ladder which ultimately requires the use of Hubble's Law.
Yes. That's another reason to quote redshifts as the basic measurement, since there's much more uncertainty in the Hubble parameter's values than in the redshift measure.
nanjo said:
Secondly, if true, then are there any other methods which would substantiate the values estimated by Hubble's Law for such bodies as TON618?
At that kind of distance, no. Again, this is why cosmologists usually quote and work with the ##z## values instead of distances. There are far fewer assumptions underlying those.
 
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  • #37
Thanks for the reply Ibix. Moving on to other parameters, I understand that there are numerous and complex methods for estimating the mass and diameter of the the most distant stellar objects. But are there any estimation methods that do NOT require prior knowledge of the distance to such massive and distant bodies as TON618?
 
  • #38
Yes. You can see time lags between brightness changes in different parts of the spectrum, in particular between the sharp emission lines of the source and the Doppler-broadened lines of re-emission from orbiting gas. The time difference gives you a size estimate just by multiplying by the speed of light. The amount of Doppler broadening gives you the orbital speed of the gas, and with those two pieces of information you can get the mass.

https://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9911476
 
  • #39
nanjo said:
Starting with raw data allows one to proceed in another direction. Using z puts a limit on the next step.

Hi - just here reading first pages of a couple threads with interesting titles, so don't mind me - but this quote of yours is a notion I fully agree with.

Like an information tree. The smaller branches at the very end have less nutrients relative to the main source, but are on the surface of what we see.

I don't think the OP nanjo is looking for an information battle, possibly something completely unrelated, for all I know.
 

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