Galactic Detection
This presentation by Dr. S. Kraemer and Dr. H. Schmitt explores the structure and dynamics of galactic nuclei, focusing on the relationship between active galaxies and star-forming regions. Utilizing Hubble Space Telescope data, the study investigates Hydrogen emission in LINER galaxies to determine whether supermassive black holes or star formation causes these emissions. The analysis reveals distinct galactic behaviors, presenting findings for specific galaxies like NGC 4151 and NGC 4826. Future research is suggested to further explore the interaction between AGNs and star formation.
Galactic Detection
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Presentation Transcript
Galactic Detection Deciphering Energy Sources in Galactic Nuclei Heather Stewart, CUA SESI Presentation August 18, 2010 Dr. S Kraemer & Dr H. Schmitt
To do: Goal Key Players Strategy Results Conclusions
Goal(s) • To gain insight about the structure and size of galactic nuclei • To better understand the relationship between active galaxies and star forming (HII) galaxies • To better understand galactic • evolution and characteristics • of our universe! To determine what causes Hydrogen emission in the centers of LINER galaxies (BH or SF)
Key Players HST WFPC2 AGNs, LINERs, H II/SF Hα, [OIII], [NII], Stellar continuum radiation
Key Players Hubble Space Telescope archival images from Wide Field Planetary Camera 2
Key Players Active Galactic Nuclei Seyferts, Quasars, Blazars, Radio Galaxies Star formation Hydrogen II Region galaxies Low-Ionization Nuclear Emission Regions
Key Players Hydrogen alpha (656 nm) recombination Doubly Ionized Oxygen (501/496 nm) Singly Ionized Nitrogen (655/658 nm) de-excitation after collisional excitation Stellar continuum radiation
Strategy Shopping Hubble archive Cleaning Cosmic rays, background Processing Combining, subtracting Comparing Hα vs Continuum vs [OIII] emission Morphology and size
Results Surely an AGN NGC 4151 Surely star formation NGC 4826 Still a mystery NGC 4569 NLR size
Results – NGC 5194 AGN or SF
Conclusion / Future research Need more images and spectra Need more studies on interaction between AGN and SF How do AGN outflows (winds/jets) enrich/encourage star formation? How does star formation affect accretion rates of AGN?
Thank You! Special thanks to Dr. S Kraemer Dr. H Schmitt Dr. A Kinney Cori Quirk and the SESI Program at GSFC Questions or Insights?