No apparent forbidden/permitted narrow emission lines in the broad line quasar SDSS J1251+0613

TL;DR

This study reports a rare broad line quasar, SDSS J1251+0613, lacking narrow emission lines, suggesting a new subclass of AGNs and providing insights into the evolution of narrow line regions.

Contribution

The paper identifies a unique broad line quasar without central narrow emission lines, proposing an evolving NLR model and expanding understanding of AGN diversity.

Findings

No apparent narrow emission lines in SDSS J1251+0613

Proposed evolving NLR model with radial outflows

Indication of a new subclass of BLAGNs without NLRs

Abstract

Strong both broad and narrow emission lines from central broad emission line regions (BLRs) and narrow emission line regions (NLRs) are fundamental spectroscopic characteristics of broad line Active Galactic Nuclei (BLAGNs). Lack of central BLRs leads to the identified true Type-2 AGNs without central hidden BLRs, providing clues on formation/suppression of AGN BLRs. Whether were there BLAGNs with lack of central NLRs is still an open question. Here, in the blue quasar SDSS J1251+0613, both blue continuum emissions and broad emission lines can be clearly detected in its SDSS spectrum, however there are no apparently detected narrow emission lines in the optical/NUV bands, leading to no central normal NLRs in the blue quasar SDSS J1251+0613. In order to explain the lack of NLRs, evolving NLRs is proposed that the radial outflows are carrying materials from BLRs to NLRs and the current narrow line emission materials are lying closer to the outer side of central BLRs in SDSS J1521+0613. The results in this manuscript can indicate a new unique subclass of BLAGNs, the BLAGNs without central normal NLRs, which will provide potential clues on physical origin/evolution of AGN NLRs.