OVV quasar

An optically violent variable quasar (often abbreviated as OVV quasar) is a type of highly variable quasar. It is a subtype of blazar that consists of a few rare, bright radio galaxies, whose visible light output can change by 50% in a day.^[2] OVV quasars have essentially become unified with highly polarized quasars (HPQ), core-dominated quasars (CDQ), and flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQ).^[3] Different terms are used, but the term FSRQ is gaining popularity, effectively making the other terms archaic.

Artist's impression of the optically violent variable quasar 3C 279.^[1]

At visible wavelengths, they are similar in appearance to BL Lac objects but generally have stronger broad emission lines.

Examples

• 3C 279
• S5 0014+81