AGN feedback in a dual supermassive black hole system observed with VLT/ERIS and X-shooter

Mergers can trigger AGN activity and starburst events, making them ideal environments for studying outflows and the feedback effects of AGN and star formation. The galaxy MCG-03-34-43 is an advanced merger where recent HST and Chandra observations have revealed a dual AGN system at its center, with a separation of less than 120 pc (Trindade-Falcao et al. 2024). Using VLT/ERIS near-infrared (NIR) integral field spectroscopy, we analyzed the ionized gas kinematics in the nuclear region of this target and detected outflows originating from both nuclei. NIR emission line diagnostic diagrams indicate that AGN photoionization dominates the central region, except for the area between the two nuclei, which exhibits enhanced star formation, possibly driven by positive AGN feedback. Combining ERIS with rest-frame optical data from VLT/X-shooter, we find evidence that the outflows, traced by hydrogen recombination lines as well as by high-ionisation (coronal) lines, are dust-poor, unlike the surrounding ISM. Additionally, we estimate the mass outflow rate and assess its potential impact on star formation in the host galaxy. This system offers a unique opportunity to study the feedback effects along different directions due to the presence of the dual AGN. Studying such systems enhances our understanding of the complex interplay between AGN activity and galaxy evolution.

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Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-10-29
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23775725
Primary Topic
Galaxies: Formation, Evolution, Phenomena
Type
article
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article

AGN feedback in a dual supermassive black hole system observed with VLT/ERIS and X-shooter

Isabella Lamperti
2 links
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Galaxies: Formation, Evolution, Phenomena
article

AGN feedback in a dual supermassive black hole system observed with VLT/ERIS and X-shooter

Isabella Lamperti
article en

Abstract

Mergers can trigger AGN activity and starburst events, making them ideal environments for studying outflows and the feedback effects of AGN and star formation. The galaxy MCG-03-34-43 is an advanced merger where recent HST and Chandra observations have revealed a dual AGN system at its center, with a separation of less than 120 pc (Trindade-Falcao et al. 2024). Using VLT/ERIS near-infrared (NIR) integral field spectroscopy, we analyzed the ionized gas kinematics in the nuclear region of this target and detected outflows originating from both nuclei. NIR emission line diagnostic diagrams indicate that AGN photoionization dominates the central region, except for the area between the two nuclei, which exhibits enhanced star formation, possibly driven by positive AGN feedback. Combining ERIS with rest-frame optical data from VLT/X-shooter, we find evidence that the outflows, traced by hydrogen recombination lines as well as by high-ionisation (coronal) lines, are dust-poor, unlike the surrounding ISM. Additionally, we estimate the mass outflow rate and assess its potential impact on star formation in the host galaxy. This system offers a unique opportunity to study the feedback effects along different directions due to the presence of the dual AGN. Studying such systems enhances our understanding of the complex interplay between AGN activity and galaxy evolution.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
University of Florence (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 15%
Galaxies: Formation, Evolution, Phenomena
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