Abstract
As part of an on-going multi-wavelength investigation of nearby active galaxies and their nuclei, we have conducted detailed synthesis studies of neutral hydrogen in a number of nearby AGN (from scales of ~100 kpc to ~10 pc) to investigate the role (if any) played by the host galaxy on nuclear fuelling and activity. Many interesting features are seen in the HI distribution and kinematics of these galaxies (such as tidal signatures, bars and evidence for the obscuring torus invoked in Unified Schemes) but, surprisingly, nothing catastrophic is observed to account for the nuclear activity. Instead, more gradual, subtle processes are likely to play a role in fuelling. Our study has revealed some interesting and long-time predicted phenomena which are relevant to studies of normal and active galaxies alike. I discuss the key results of the HI study so far and, in particular, present clear evidence for streaming shocks in a weak galactic bar (NGC4151).
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Joint European and National Astronomical Meeting, JENAM-97. 6th European and 3rd Hellenic Astronomical Conference, held in Thessaloniki, Greece, 2-5 July, 1997 |
Publication status | Published - 1997 |