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Tidal Triggering of Seyfert Galaxies and Quasars: Physical Sufficiency

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 July 2016

G.G. Byrd ,
M.J. Valtonen ,
B. Sundelius  and
L. Valtaoja
G.G. Byrd
Affiliation:
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 U.S.A.
M.J. Valtonen
Affiliation:
Department of Physical Sciences, University of Turku, Finland
B. Sundelius
Affiliation:
Onsala Space Observatory and Department of Astronomy, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
L. Valtaoja
Affiliation:
Department of Physical Sciences, University of Turku, Finland

Abstract

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Excess optical and radio emission in nuclei of Seyfert galaxies and quasars is observationally related to nearby companions. Dahari found Seyferts are more strongly perturbed tidally by companions than normal spirals are. QSO data suggests a similar relationship. Quasar and Seyfert activity are thought to be fueled by gas inflow to the nucleus. To study whether gravitational tides from companions cause inflow from the spiral's disk, we use a self-gravitating 60,000 particle disk in Miller's polar n-body program. The perturbation to produce levels of inflow required for activity matches Dahari's Seyfert triggering level. QSO's are also perturbed by observed companions more than necessary for high inflow. We reanalyze Dahari's data to find that at least the majority of Seyferts are in multiple systems. Tidal triggering thus could be the main cause of Seyfert activity.

Type
Chapter VIII: Galaxies and Clusters
Information
Symposium - International Astronomical Union , Volume 124: Observational Cosmology , 1987 , pp. 527 - 530
Copyright
Copyright © Reidel 1987 

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