Computer Science
Scientific paper
Mar 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008sptz.prop50753w&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #50753
Computer Science
Scientific paper
In 1982 Elvis et al called attention to a pair of galaxies with AGN-like x-ray emission but no AGN features in their visible spectra [referred to here as XBONGS]. Since then, deep x-ray surveys [Moran et al 2002] have revealed large numbers of galaxies with these characteristics: luminous in the x-ray but without the high excitation lines, specific line ratios, or broad emission lines which characterize Type I and/or Type II AGN. Thus understanding XBONGS is an important step towards defining the accretion history of the Universe. For brevity, we continue to refer to these objects as XBONGS, while recognizing that they are not a homogeneous group, and in fact a variety of explanations have been proposed. It has been suggested that XBONGs are powered by AGN which are hidden at visible wavelengths by (i) dilution by the bright emission from the galaxy, by (ii) extinction, or by (iii) the absence of visible and ultraviolet radiation due to modifications in the character of the accretion disk which surrounds the central black hole. These suggestions can be tested by infrared observations, so we propose here a program of IRS spectroscopy of 8 XBONGs carefully selected from 26 XBONGs identified in the XBootes survey of the NOAO Deep Wide-Field Survey. We will observe the [NeV] 14.3um and the [NeIII] 15.6um lines to identify and characterize the hidden AGN in these galaxies, drawing on our published Spitzer observations of these lines in AGN with known x-ray emission. We hope to distinguish among the competing models for the XBONG phenomenon and to make an assessment of this problem as part of the legacy of the cryogenic Spitzer mission.
Cleary Kieran
Forman William
Gorjian Varoujan
Hickox Ryan
Jones Christine
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