THE 1987-1990 OPTICAL OUTBURST OF THE OVV QUASAR 3C-279

Photometric observations indicate the optically violent variable (OVV) quasar 3C 279 brightened dramatically in March of 1987 and remained in an extremely active state until March of 1990. Historically, this source has exhibited a series of energetic outbursts spanning a range of 8 mag in brightness. We present a composite light curve of photometric data covering 61 yr in addition to UBVRI observations made during the recent period of activity. The long-term variability characteristics of 3C 279 is discussed. At maximum brightness, 3C 279 radiated at a rate of 1.6×1048 ergs per second between 0.1 and 1.0 μm with a mean spectral index of - 1.12. The total energy released in the optical band during the recent outburst is estimated to be 1.3×1055 ergs.