Description
We present the results of 3 yr of ground-based observations of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548, which, combined with previously reported data, yield optical continuum and broad-line H{beta} light curves for a total of 8 yr. The light curves consist of over 800 points, with a typical spacing of a few days between observations. During this 8 yr period, the nuclear continuum has varied by more than a factor of 7, and the H{beta} emission line has varied by a factor of nearly 6. The H{beta} emission line responds to continuum variations with a time delay or lag of {=~}10--20 days, the precise value varying somewhat from year to year. We find some indications that the lag varies with continuum flux in the sense that the lag is larger when the source is brighter.
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