The Host Galaxy AGN Connection Is Neutral Gas the Key

Carole G. Mundell

Research output: Chapter or section in a book/report/conference proceedingChapter in a published conference proceeding

Abstract

Supermassive black holes are thought to be ubiquitous in bulge-dominated galaxies and the standard model of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) invokes the release of gravitational energy due to accretion of material onto a central black hole. What determines the presence and degree of nuclear activity, however, remains an unanswered question. Unlike quasar activity, which seems to coincide with the build-up of galactic-size structures, activity in nearby AGN with well-established host galaxies, must involve re-activation of their central black holes. Neutral hydrogen (HI) is a key tracer of galactic structure and dynamics and responds most readily to perturbations caused by tidal disturbance and non-axisymetric gravitational potentials - perturbations which have been mooted as possible triggers of nuclear activity. I present here an HI imaging study of a heterogeneous sample of nine nearby Seyfert galaxies and describe plans for a new HI survey which aims to investigate the role of the host gas in triggering and fuelling of nuclear activity on a statistical basis.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationActive Galactic Nuclei: from Central Engine to Host Galaxy, 2002
EditorsS. Collin, F. Combes, I. Shlosman
PublisherAstronomical Society of the Pacific
Pages535
ISBN (Print)9781583811351
Publication statusPublished - 31 Dec 2003
EventActive Galactic Nuclei: from Central Engine to Host Galaxy, 2002 - Meudon, France
Duration: 23 Jul 200227 Jul 2002

Publication series

NameAstronomical Society of the Pacific Conference Series
Volume290

Other

OtherActive Galactic Nuclei: from Central Engine to Host Galaxy, 2002
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityMeudon
Period23/07/0227/07/02

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