Nuclear winds in active elliptical galaxies. II - Observational signatures

Abstract

We discuss the possible observational signatures resulting from the interaction of a nuclear wind with an elliptical host galaxy. The ionization parameter in emission-line gas, deduced from spatially resolved spectral observations, will be a strong indicator of the nuclear wind as well as the possible pickup of stellar mass loss by the wind. If the wind is sufficiently luminous, galactic X-ray profiles will exhibit an extended flattening. Detailed study of individual objects will be necessary for conclusive evidence of nuclear winds. We find that nuclear winds are unlikely to cause the disruption of the radio jets in wide-angle tail radio galaxies. Previously proposed mechanisms whereby nuclear winds cause the formation of narrow absorption line systems or stellar shells are not likely to occur if the interstellar medium of the host elliptical galaxy is hot.