Based on a new survey of AGN activity in compact groups of galaxies, we report a remarkable deficiency of broad-line AGNs as compared to narrow-line AGNs. The cause of such deficiency could be related to the average low luminosity of AGNs in CGs: 1039 ergs s-1. This result may imply lower accretion rates in CG AGNs, making broad-line regions (BLRs) undetectable, or may indicate a genuine absence of BLRs. Both phenomena are consistent with gas stripping through tidal interaction and dry mergers.
Deficiency of Broad-Line AGNs in Compact Groups of Galaxies / Martinez M.A.; del Olmo A.; Coziol R.; Focardi P.. - In: THE ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL. - ISSN 0004-637X. - STAMPA. - 678:(2008), pp. L9-L12. [10.1086/588498]
Deficiency of Broad-Line AGNs in Compact Groups of Galaxies
FOCARDI, PAOLA
2008
Abstract
Based on a new survey of AGN activity in compact groups of galaxies, we report a remarkable deficiency of broad-line AGNs as compared to narrow-line AGNs. The cause of such deficiency could be related to the average low luminosity of AGNs in CGs: 1039 ergs s-1. This result may imply lower accretion rates in CG AGNs, making broad-line regions (BLRs) undetectable, or may indicate a genuine absence of BLRs. Both phenomena are consistent with gas stripping through tidal interaction and dry mergers.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
