Testing the Standard Model of Active Galactic Nuclei through Quasar Variability

The standard model of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) predicts that Type 2
AGNs and Type 1 AGNs only differ in the orientation of a dust torus,
which does or does not allow one to observe the central region. If the
model is correct, the time-scales and the amplitudes of observed
temporal variations should be different between obscured and unobscured
objects. In order to test this hypothesis, we started a multi-wavelength
(BRIJK<SUB>s</SUB>) monitoring campaign of a sample of quasars of both
types. Here we present the data and preliminary results of that project.