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Two separate outflows in the dual supermassive black hole system NGC 6240
F Müller-Sánchez1, R Nevin2, J M Comerford2
1Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA. francisco.mullersanchez@colorado.edu.
Galaxy mergers create dual supermassive black holes that drive outflows. Observations reveal distinct star formation and black hole-driven outflows in NGC 6240, impacting galactic feedback.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics
- Galaxy Evolution
- Observational Astronomy
Background:
- Galaxy mergers are theorized to form dual supermassive black holes, triggering star formation and outflows.
- Previous observations support starburst-driven and black hole-driven outflows, but their interaction with the interstellar medium remains unclear.
- The relative contributions of star formation and black hole activity to galactic feedback are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the properties and interactions of dual outflows in the prototypical merger NGC 6240.
- To spatially isolate and independently study starburst-driven and black hole-driven outflows.
- To determine the mass outflow rates and assess their impact on galactic feedback.
Main Methods:
- Observations of dual outflows in the central region of NGC 6240.
- Spatially isolating and analyzing [O III] (black hole-driven) and Hα (starburst-driven) outflows.
- Estimating mass outflow rates for each component.
Main Results:
- Identified a black hole-driven [O III] outflow to the northeast and a starburst-driven Hα outflow to the northwest in NGC 6240.
- Estimated mass outflow rates of 75 solar masses per year for the [O III] cone and 10 solar masses per year for the Hα bubble.
- The combined mass outflow rate is comparable to the star formation rate.
Conclusions:
- Dual outflows from black hole activity and star formation coexist and can be studied independently in galaxy mergers.
- These outflows play a significant role in galactic feedback, potentially regulating star formation.
- The findings provide crucial observational evidence for theoretical models of galaxy evolution and feedback mechanisms.
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