JWST Q3D Program: Active Galactic Nucleus Photoionization and Shock Ionization in a Red Quasar at z = 0.4

Swetha Sankar, Nadia L. Zakamska, David S.N. Rupke, Weizhe Liu, Dominika Wylezalek, Sylvain Veilleux, Caroline Bertemes, Nadiia Diachenko, Yu Ching Chen, Yuzo Ishikawa, Andrey Vayner, Nicole P.H. Nesvadba, Guilin Liu, Andy D. Goulding, Dieter Lutz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Red quasars, often associated with potent [O iii] outflows on both galactic and circumgalactic scales, may play a pivotal role in galactic evolution and black hole feedback. In this work, we explore the [Fe ii] emission in one such quasar at z = 0.4352-F2M J110648.32+480712.3 using the integral field unit mode of the Near Infrared Spectrograph aboard the JWST. Our observations reveal clumpy [Fe ii] gas located to the south of the quasar. By comparing the kinematics of [Fe ii] and [O iii], we find that the clumpy [Fe ii] gas in the southeast and southwest aligns with the outflow, exhibiting similar median velocities up to v50 = 1200 km s−1 and high velocity widths W80 > 1000 km s−1. In contrast, the [Fe ii] gas to the south shows kinematics inconsistent with the outflow, with W80 ∼ 500 km s−1, significantly smaller than the [O iii] at the same location, suggesting that the [Fe ii] may be confined within the host galaxy. Utilizing standard emission-line diagnostic ratios, we map the ionization sources of the gas. According to the MAPPINGS III shock models for [Fe ii]/Paβ, the regions to the southwest and southeast of the quasar are primarily photoionized. Conversely, the [Fe ii] emission to the south is likely excited by shocks generated by the back-pressure of the outflow on the galaxy disk, a direct signature of the impact of the quasar on its host.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number227
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume991
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2025

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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