A spectacular outflow in an obscured quasar

Jenny E. Greene, Nadia L. Zakamska, Paul S. Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

137 Scopus citations

Abstract

SDSSJ1356+1026 is a pair of interacting galaxies at redshift z = 0.123 that hosts a luminous obscured quasar in its northern nucleus. Here we present two long-slit Magellan LDSS-3 spectra that reveal a pair of symmetric ∼10kpc size outflows emerging from this nucleus, with observed expansion velocities of ∼250kms-1 in projection. We present a kinematic model of these outflows and argue that the deprojected physical velocities of expansion are likely ∼1000kms-1 and that the kinetic energy of the expanding shells is likely 1044-45ergs-1, with an absolute minimum of >1042ergs-1. Although a radio counterpart is detected at 1.4GHz, it is faint enough that the quasar is considered to be radio quiet by all standard criteria, and there is no evidence of extended emission due to radio lobes, whether aged or continuously powered by an ongoing jet. We argue that the likely level of star formation is insufficient to power the observed energetic outflow and that SDSSJ1356+1026 is a good case for radio-quiet quasar feedback. In further support of this hypothesis, polarimetric observations show that the direction of quasar illumination is coincident with the direction of the outflow.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number86
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume746
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 10 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Keywords

  • galaxies: Seyfert
  • galaxies: active
  • galaxies: nuclei

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A spectacular outflow in an obscured quasar'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this