Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2011-11-18
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
12 pages, 10 figures. Submitted to MNRAS. For associated movies, see http://www.mpe.mpg.de/~vgaibler/jet-disk-sf/
Scientific paper
Feedback from active galactic nuclei (AGN) has become a major component in simulations of galaxy evolution, in particular for massive galaxies. AGN jets have been shown to provide a large amount of energy and are capable to quench cooling flows. Their impact on the host galaxy, however, is still not understood. Subgrid models of AGN activity in a galaxy evolution context so far have been mostly focused on the quenching of star formation. To shed more light on the actual physics of the "radio mode" part of AGN activity, we have performed simulations of the interaction of a powerful AGN jet with the massive gaseous disc (10^11 solar masses) of a high-redshift galaxy. We spatially resolve both the jet and the clumpy, multi-phase interstellar medium (ISM) and include an explicit star formation model in the simulation. Following the system over more than 10^7 years, we find that the jet activity excavates the central region, but overall causes a significant change to the shape of the density probability distribution function and hence the star formation rate due to the formation of a blast wave with strong compression and cooling in the ISM. This results in a ring- or disc-shaped population of young stars. At later times, the increase in star formation rate also occurs in the disc regions further out since the jet cocoon pressurizes the ISM. The total mass of the additionally formed stars may be up to 10^10 solar masses for one duty cycle. We discuss the details of this jet-induced star formation and its potential consequences for galaxy evolution and observable signatures.
Gaibler Volker
Khochfar Sadegh
Krause Martin
Silk Joseph
No associations
LandOfFree
Jet-induced star formation in gas-rich galaxies 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 Jet-induced star formation in gas-rich galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Jet-induced star formation in gas-rich galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-514035