The UV variability of the Seyfert 1: Galaxies 3 Zw 2 and Markarian 509
The two galaxies differ markedly in their radio properties. III Zw 2 is a strong source with a highly variable compact component while MK 509 is a very weak source. Both galaxies show significant variations in X-rays and MK 509 has shown variations at optical wavelengths as well. Simultaneous observations were made in the ultraviolet, optical and infrared in order to examine three fundamental aspects of the origin of the continuum emission: are these thermal and nonthermal components; how large is the emitting region; and does the UV flux originate in the same region responsible for the optical, IR, radio and/or X-ray continuum emission?