W2M J1042 + 1641 Color Combined Images for two visits along with exit from morphological analysis
Scientists have found an enlarged gravitational-lens quasi-stellar object. The detected quasar, named W2M J1042 + 1641, turned red and shows a significant flow anomaly.
Quasars are considered the most active galactic nuclei with a high level of luminosity and radiation in the radio, infrared, visible, UV and X-ray wavelengths. These are among the brightest and most distant objects in the known Universe, serving as fundamental tools for numerous studies in astrophysics and cosmology.
Some quasars are hidden behind a dust flap when they move from a highly dusty phase to typical imperceptible quasars with red light. The detection of objects during the transition will help scientists better understand the processes of galactic evolution and stellar birth. The researchers decided to analyze the data from WISE and 2MASS, selecting objects based on their IR colors. This led to the discovery of 40 red quasars. Among the finds was W2M J1042 + 1641, which attracted the attention of scientists, because it was much brighter than other famous quasars. He hinted at extreme properties with gravitational lensing. The object was found at a red shift of 2.517, and its IR luminosity reaches 120 trillion solar.
The researchers note that W2M J1042 + 1641 shows an outflow in its spectrum, as well as morphological properties that hint at the transition phase associated with the merger. In addition, there is a significant flow anomaly, since its density was lower than 1.0 mJ. Such a case may be useful for studying a less bright and more typical quasar with an IR spectrum at high redshift. But the flow anomaly is still a mystery.
