Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2005-12-22
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
14 pages, 16 figures
Scientific paper
10.1051/0004-6361:20053608
We present a new analysis of the very first mid-infrared N-band long-baseline interferometric observations of an extragalactic source: the nucleus of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1068, obtained with MIDI (Mid-InfrareD Interferometer), the mid-infrared beamcombiner at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI). The resolution of 10 mas allows to study the compact central core of the galaxy between 8 and 13 microns. Both visibility measurements and MIDI spectrum are well reproduced with a simple radiative transfer model with two concentric spherical components. The derived angular sizes and temperatures are about 35 and 83 mas, and 361 K and 226 K for these two components respectively. Some other evidences strongly support such low temperatures. This modeling also provides the variation of optical depth as a function of wavelength for the extended component across the N-band pointing towards the presence of amorphous silicate grains. This shows that MIDI actually carried out the first direct observations of the distribution of dust around the central engine. Together with other observational pieces, we are able to move a step forward in the reconstruction of the picture drawn for AGNs.
Perrin Guy
Poncelet A.
Sol Hé&Lgrave
No associations
LandOfFree
A new analysis of the nucleus of NGC 1068 with MIDI observations does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with A new analysis of the nucleus of NGC 1068 with MIDI observations, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A new analysis of the nucleus of NGC 1068 with MIDI observations will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-726062