APM 08279+5255: An Ultraluminous Broad Absorption Line Quasar at a Redshift z = 3.87

摘要: We report on the discovery of a highly luminous, broad absorption line quasar at redshift z = 3.87, which is positionally coincident, within 1'', with IRAS Faint Source Catalog source F08279+5255. A chance alignment and extremely unlikely, we argue that optical far-infrared flux are different manifestations same object. With an R-band magnitude 15.2 60 μm 0.51 Jy, APM 08279+5255 (apparently) easily most intrinsically luminous object known, LBol ~ 5 × 1015 L☉. Optical CCD photometry system, taken in good seeing, shows evidence system slightly elongated. Although these data consistent superposition vastly galaxy, more likely scenario image implies presence two unresolved point sources. Such configuration suggests gravitational lensing may play significant role amplifying intrinsic properties system. Point-spread function fitting discrete sources gives separation ~04 intensity ratio ~1.1. The spectrum clearly reveals three potential galaxies, Mg II systems 1.18 1.81, damped Lyα 3.07. Additional, as yet unseen, galaxies also be present. estimate total amplification component to ≈ 40 but, owing larger scale emitting region, would expect infrared significantly less. Even making conservative assumption all wavelengths amplified by factor 40, still possesses phenomenal luminosity 1014 L☉, indicating it belongs small but population high-redshift, hyperluminous objects copious emission.