Episodic Star Formation Coupled to Reignition of Radio Activity in 3C 236

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We present Hubble Space Telescope ACS and STIS optical/UV imaging and spectroscopy of the radio galaxy 3C 236, whose relic 4 Mpc radio jet lobes and inner 2 kpc CSS radio source are evidence of multiple epochs of AGN activity. Consistent with previous results, our data confirm the presence of four star forming knots in an arc along the edge of the inner dust lane in the galaxy's nucleus. We estimate disparate ages for the knots using stellar population synthesis models, finding two to be relatively young with ages of order 107 yr, while the other two are estimated at 108 - 109 yr old, comparable to the estimated age of the giant relic radio source. The ages of the knots, considered in the context of both the disturbed morphology of the nuclear dust and the double-double morphology of the "old'' 4 Mpc and "young'' 2 kpc radio sources, present strong evidence for an episodic AGN/starburst connection. We suggest that the AGN fuel supply was interrupted for 107 yr due to a minor merger event and has now been restored. The non-steady flow of gas in the disk is likely responsible for both the multiple episodes of infall-induced star formation and also the multiple epochs of radio activity.

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