Continuum Variability of Active Galactic Nuclei in the Optical-UV Range

Abstract

The variability of the continuum spectral energy distribution has been analyzed for a complete magnitude-limited sample of quasars in Selected Area 57, observed at two epochs in the photographic $U$, $B_J$, $F$ and $N$ bands with the Mayall 4m telescope at Kitt Peak. Changes $\delta \alpha$ of the spectral slope $\alpha$ appear correlated with brightness variations $\delta log f_{\nu}$ indicating an average hardening of the spectrum in the bright phases. This confirms that the correlation of variability with redshift, found in a single observing band, is due to intrinsic spectral changes. The average observed $\delta \alpha - \delta log f_{\nu}$ relation is consistent with the spectral change due to temperature variation of a black body of about $2.5 \cdot 10^4 K$.