A linear correlation between H2 V = 1-0 S(1) and forbidden O I 6300 emission in Seyfert and starburst galaxies

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (36) References (44) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS A Linear Correlation between H 2 V = 1--0 S(1) and [O i] 6300 Emission in Seyfert and Starburst Galaxies Mouri, Hideaki ; Taniguchi, Yoshiaki ; Kawara, Kimiaki ; Nishida, Minoru Abstract We have found a good linear correlation between the H_2_ v = 1-0 S(1)/Brγ and the [O I] λ6300/Hα emission-line ratios on a sample of 28 galaxies containing an active galactic nucleus (AGN) or a starburst nucleus (SBN). Utilizing this correlation, we have investigated excitation mechanisms of the H_2_ emission. (1) In the SBNs, the observed relation between the line ratios concerned matches the relation for supernova remnants. Thus we conclude that the dominant excitation mechanism of molecular hydrogen is shock heating. This argument implies that a significant part of the [O I] emission from the SBNs may be due to shock heating. (2) In the AGNs, X-ray heating is the dominant mechanism because the model published by Lepp and McCray in 1983 reasonably explains the observed correlation. Taking account of much evidence for AGN-driven winds, we infer that shock heating plays a partial role in the excitation of hydrogen molecules in the AGNs as well. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: November 1989 DOI: 10.1086/185582 Bibcode: 1989ApJ...346L..73M Keywords: Active Galactic Nuclei; Emission Spectra; Seyfert Galaxies; Starburst Galaxies; Correlation; H Alpha Line; Shock Heating; Supernova Remnants; Ultraviolet Radiation; Astrophysics; GALAXIES: NUCLEI; GALAXIES: SEYFERT; INTERSTELLAR: MOLECULES; STARS: FORMATION full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (34) NED (28)