Ultraviolet and Optical Spectra of Broadline Radio Galaxies

Abstract

Near-simultaneous ultraviolet and optical spectra of three broadline radio galaxies (3C 382, 3C 445, and PKS 2349 - 014) have been obtained, and the emission lines of Lyα, Hβ, and Hα have been deconvolved into narrow and broad components; published fluxes for 3C 390.3 are also included in this study. Although the broad Lyα/Hβ ratios in these objects cover a large range (1.2-22.3), there is no evidence that these ratios are intrinsically different from those of Seyfert 1 galaxies or quasars. Thus, in general, the higher Hα/Hβ ratios in these broadline radio galaxies cannot entirely be due to additional reddening of the broadline region. However, in the specific case of 3C 445, there is evidence that the nonstellar continuum and broadline region are highly reddened.