Extending the Eigenvector 1 Space to the Optical Variability of Quasars

Abstract

We introduce a new physical parameter, the optical variability amplitude, to the well-established Eigenvector 1 space of quasars and test a sample of long-term B-band light curves of 42 PG quasars monitored by Giveon et al. (1999). We find that the optical variability amplitude strongly correlates with the intensity ratio of Fe II to H$\beta$, H$\beta$ width and peak luminosity at 5007$\mathring{\mathrm{A}}$. We briefly discuss the physical meaning of our findings and suggest that the Eddington ratio may be a key factor in determining a quasar's variability.

16 pages, 4 figures

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• A Systematic Analysis of Stellar Populations in the Host Galaxies of Changing-look AGNs
• Exploring the Diversity of Type 1 Active Galactic Nuclei Identified in SDSS-IV/SPIDERS
• The physical driver of the optical Eigenvector 1 in Quasar Main Sequence
• The optical vs. mid-infrared spectral properties of 82 Type 1 AGNs: coevolution of AGN and starburst