Active galaxies-parsec scale radio emission and the surrounding ISM

Abstract

We investigate the interplay between active nuclei and their surrounding ISM by interferometric radio continuum and mm line observations at high angular resolution and high sensitivity of a sample of active galaxies (e.g. NGC3718), carried out with MERLIN, EVN and the IRAM Plateau de Bure interferometer. They are part of an ongoing international study-NUGA (NUclei of GAlaxies)-about the nature, i.e. basically the fueling mechanisms, of nearby active galaxies. The mm line observations provide information about the distribution and kinematics of the molecular gas in these galaxies, which are regarded to be an important part of the matter feeding the central engine. We find a variety of molecular gas structures in our sample ranging from spirals, bars, warped disks, rings to asymmetric disks. The MERLIN/EVN measurements at 18 cm, as well as 6 cm, allow us to investigate the nature of the central engine itself. Also, the radio observations unveil extended structures on all observed angular scales (from VLA to MERLIN and EVN), like jets, diffuse components, as well as compact features. Moreover, the spectra are flat to steep, depending on the respective source components. The combination of the mm line and radio continuum results allow us to discuss possible interactions between the observed jets and the surrounding interstellar medium.To search for other articles by the author(s) go to: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abstract_service.html