Speaker
Description
Mergers can trigger AGN activity and starburst events, making them ideal environments for studying outflows and the feedback effects of AGN and star formation.
The galaxy MCG-03-34-43 is an advanced merger where recent HST and Chandra observations have revealed a dual AGN system at its center, with a separation of less than 100 pc.
Using VLT/ERIS near-infrared (NIR) integral field spectroscopy, we analyzed the ionized gas kinematics in the nuclear region of this target and detected outflows originating from both nuclei. NIR emission line diagnostic diagrams indicate that AGN photoionization dominates the central region, except for the area between the two nuclei, which exhibits enhanced star formation—possibly driven by positive AGN feedback.
Combining ERIS with rest-frame optical data from VLT/X-shooter, we find evidence that the outflows, traced by hydrogen recombination lines as well as to high-ionisation (coronal) lines, are dust-free, unlike the surrounding ISM. Additionally, we estimate the mass outflow rate and assess its potential impact on star formation in the host galaxy.
This system offers a unique opportunity to study the feedback effects along different directions due to the presence of the dual AGN. Studying such systems enhances our understanding of the complex interplay between AGN activity and galaxy evolution.
