Further evidence to support a tidal disruption event in the changing-look AGN SDSS J0159

In this Letter, we report further evidence to support a tidal disruption event (TDE) in the known changing-look AGN SDSS J0159, through the unique variabilities of asymmetric broad H alpha: broader but redder in 2010 than in 2000. If we accept that broad H alpha emission regions are tightly related to accreting debris in a central TDE, the well-known relativistic accretion disc origination can be applied to explain the asymmetric broad H alpha variabilities in SDSS J0159 well. Moreover, the model-determined broad H alpha emission regions have sizes that do not follow the empirical R-L relation valid in normal broad-line active galactic nuclei (AGNs), but have locations basically similar to the regions of accreting debris from a central TDE in SDSS J0159, indicating tight connections between the broad H alpha emission material and central TDE debris. Therefore, the explanation of asymmetric broad H alpha variabilities through a relativistic accretion disc origination provides further clues to support a central TDE, in SDSS J0159.

Automated summary

The research provides evidence to support a tidal disruption event in SDSS J0159 through the unique variabilities of asymmetric broad H alpha emission. The model-determined positions of the broad H alpha emission regions are closely related to the central TDE debris, indicating a tight connection between them.