We present dynamical modeling of the broad-line region (BLR) in the Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 50 using reverberation mapping data taken as part of the Lick AGN Monitoring Project (LAMP) 2011. We model the reverberation mapping data directly, constraining the geometry and kinematics of the BLR, as well as deriving a black hole mass estimate that does not depend on a normalizing factor or virial coefficient. We find that the geometry of the BLR in Mrk 50 is a nearly face-on thick disk, with a mean radius of 9.6+1.2-0.9 light days, a width of the BLR of 6.9+1.2-1.1 light days, and a disk opening angle of 25 ± 10 deg above the plane. We also constrain the inclination angle to be 9+7-5 deg, close to face-on. Finally, the black hole mass of Mrk 50 is inferred to be log10(M BH/M = 7.57+0.44-0.27. By comparison to the virial black hole mass estimate from traditional reverberation mapping analysis, we find the normalizing constant (virial coefficient) to be log10 f = 0.78+0.44-0.27, consistent with the commonly adopted mean value of 0.74 based on aligning the M BH-σ* relation for active galactic nuclei and quiescent galaxies. While our dynamical model includes the possibility of a net inflow or outflow in the BLR, we cannot distinguish between these two scenarios. © 2012. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved..

The Lick AGN Monitoring Project 2011 observing campaign was carried out over the course of 11 weeks in spring 2011. Here we present the first results from this program, a measurement of the broad-line reverberation lag in the Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk50. Combining our data with supplemental observations obtained prior to the start of the main observing campaign, our data set covers a total duration of 4.5 months. During this time, Mrk50 was highly variable, exhibiting a maximum variability amplitude of a factor of 4 in the U-band continuum and a factor of ∼2 in the Hβ line. Using standard cross-correlation techniques, we find that Hβ and Hγ lag the V-band continuum by τcen = 10.64+0.82- 0.93 and 8.43+1.30- 1.28days, respectively, while the lag of He II λ4686 is unresolved. The Hβ line exhibits a symmetric velocity-resolved reverberation signature with shorter lags in the high-velocity wings than in the line core, consistent with an origin in a broad-line region (BLR) dominated by orbital motion rather than infall or outflow. Assuming a virial normalization factor of f = 5.25, the virial estimate of the black hole mass is (3.2 ± 0.5) × 107 M ⊙. These observations demonstrate that Mrk50 is among the most promising nearby active galaxies for detailed investigations of BLR structure and dynamics. © 2011. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.