Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1997-11-19
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
35 pages, LaTeX, uses aas2pp4.sty file, includes 9 PostScript figures. Two additional colour plates are available from the aut
Scientific paper
10.1086/305490
Results are presented from a programme of detailed longslit spectroscopic observations of the extended emission-line region (EELR) associated with the powerful radio galaxy PKS 2356-61. The observations have been used to construct spectroscopic datacubes, which yield detailed information on the spatial variations of emission-line ratios across the EELR, together with its kinematic structure. We present an extensive comparison between the data and results obtained from the MAPPINGS II shock ionization code, and show that the physical properties of the line-emitting gas, including its ionization, excitation, dynamics and overall energy budget, are entirely consistent with a scenario involving auto-ionizing shocks as the dominant ionization mechanism. This has the advantage of accounting for the observed EELR properties by means of a single physical process, thereby requiring less free parameters than the alternative scheme involving photoionization by radiation from the active nucleus. Finally, possible mechanisms of shock formation are considered in the context of the dynamics and origin of the gas, specifically scenarios involving infall or accretion of gas during an interaction between the host radio galaxy and a companion galaxy.
Bicknell Geoffrey V.
Koekemoer Anton M.
No associations
LandOfFree
Dynamics and Excitation of Radio Galaxy Emission-Line Regions - I. PKS 2356-61 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 Dynamics and Excitation of Radio Galaxy Emission-Line Regions - I. PKS 2356-61, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dynamics and Excitation of Radio Galaxy Emission-Line Regions - I. PKS 2356-61 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-272746