Steep Functions in Astronomy: The RQSO z-Cutoff Debate

摘要

The debate over the existence of a redshift cutoff for radio-loud QSOs (RQSOs) hinges on interpreting a second-order effect – radio spectral variations in vari-able QSOs initially selected by survey from a population with a steep source count. I discuss the resolution of this question; the issue is highly relevant to modern surveys and follow-up observations.