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Register a new userMUSE-AO view of the starburst-AGN connection: NGC 7130
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Added by
S\\'ebastien Comer\\'on
Publication date
2018
fields
Physics
and research's language is
English
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We present the discovery of a small kinematically decoupled core of 0.2$^{primeprime}$ (60 pc) in radius as well as an outflow jet in the archetypical AGN-starburst composite galaxy NGC 7130 from integral field data obtained with the adaptive optics-assisted MUSE-NFM instrument on the VLT. Correcting the already good natural seeing at the time of our science verification observations with the four-laser GALACSI AO system, we reach an unprecedented spatial resolution at optical wavelengths of around 0.15$^{primeprime}$. We confirm the existence of star-forming knots arranged in a ring of 0.58$^{primeprime}$ (185 pc) in radius around the nucleus, previously observed from UV and optical Hubble Space Telescope and CO(6-5) ALMA imaging. We determine the position of the nucleus as the location of a peak in gas velocity dispersion. A plume of material extends towards the NE from the nucleus until at least the edge of our field of view at 2$^{primeprime}$ (640 pc) radius which we interpret as an outflow jet originating in the AGN. The plume is not visible morphologically, but is clearly characterised in our data by emission-line ratios characteristic of AGN emission, enhanced gas velocity dispersion, and distinct non-circular gas velocities. Its orientation is roughly perpendicular to the line of nodes of the rotating host galaxy disc. A circumnuclear area of positive and negative velocities of 0.2$^{primeprime}$ in radius indicates a tiny inner disc, which can only be seen after combining the integral field spectroscopic capabilities of MUSE with adaptive optics.
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Detailed modeling of the different regions of NGC 7130 is presented, accounting for its composite nature of AGN and starburst galaxy. Shock waves, created by stellar winds from hot massive stars and by supernova ejecta, are evident in the continuum and line spectra emitted from the clouds. The AGN starburst connection is discussed on the basis of model results, considering in particular the distribution of densities and velocities throughout the galaxy.
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