A 3D Search for the Interplay between AGN and Star Formation in Galaxies

Abstract

Integral field spectroscopy and radio interferometry are very powerful tools for studying the interplay between AGN and star formation (SF) in galaxies. We introduce a sample of SDSS galaxies with selection criteria designed to maximize our chances of catching both processes in action. The galaxies are post-starburst, potentially contain radio AGN, and are allowed, but not required, to have ongoing star formation. The resulting sample includes objects classified as traditional post-starbursts and ones that would have been classified as Seyferts based on their emission line properties alone. The systems span a range of merger phases from initial interaction to fully merged, providing snapshots throughout the entire sequence. We are compiling a multi-wavelength data set, including spatially resolved optical spectra from IFUs on WIYN and continuum radio maps from the VLA and GMRT. Here we present initial results on J0754+1648, an interacting system with a post-starburst region near a radio AGN surrounded by highly ionized gas. This object may be an example of SF truncated by AGN feedback.