Hubble Space Telescope Imaging of Post-Starburst Quasars

Details Hubble Space Telescope Imaging of Post-Starburst Quasars Hubble Space Telescope Imaging of Post-Starburst Quasars

2011-08-31

arxiv.org/abs/1108.6281v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Galaxy Astrophysics

Scientific paper

We present images of 29 post-starburst quasars (PSQs) from a Hubble Space Telescope (\emph{HST}) Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) Wide Field Channel Snapshot program. These broad-lined active galactic nuclei (AGN) possess the spectral signatures of massive ($M_{burst} \sim 10^{10} M_{\odot}$), moderate-aged stellar populations (hundreds of Myrs). Thus, their composite nature provides insight into the AGN-starburst connection. We measure quasar-to-host galaxy light contributions via semi-automated two-dimensional light profile fits of PSF-subtracted images. We examine the host morphologies, as well as, model the separate bulge and disk components. The \emph{HST}/ACS-F606W images reveal an equal number of spiral (13/29) and early-type (13/29) hosts, with the remaining three hosts having indeterminate classifications. AGNs hosted by early-type galaxies have on average greater luminosity than those hosted by spiral galaxies. Disturbances, such as tidal tails, shells, star-forming knots, and asymmetries are seen as signposts of interaction/merger activity. Disturbances such as these were found in 17 of the 29 objects and are evenly distributed among early-type and spiral galaxies. Two of these systems are clearly merging with their companions. Compared to other AGN of similar luminosity and redshift these PSQs have a higher fraction of early-type hosts and disturbances. Our most luminous objects with disturbed early-type host galaxies appear to be consistent with merger products. Thus, these luminous disturbed galaxies may represent a phase in an evolutionary scenario for merger driven activity and of hierarchical galaxy evolution. Our less luminous objects appear to be consistent with Seyfert galaxies not requiring triggering by major mergers. Many of these Seyferts are barred spiral galaxies.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Hubble Space Telescope Imaging of Post-Starburst Quasars 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 Hubble Space Telescope Imaging of Post-Starburst Quasars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hubble Space Telescope Imaging of Post-Starburst Quasars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-626225