Abstract
Abstract One way the active galactic nuclei (AGN) are expected to influence the evolution of their host galaxies is by removing metal content via outflows. In this article we present results that show that AGN can have an effect on the chemical enrichment of their host galaxies using the fossil record technique on CALIFA galaxies. We classified the chemical enrichment histories of all galaxies in our sample regarding whether they show a drop in the value of their metallicity. We find that galaxies currently hosting an AGN are more likely to show this drop in their metal content compared to the quiescent sample. Once we separate the sample by their star-forming status we find that star-forming galaxies are less likely to have a drop in metallicity but have deeper decreases when these appear. This behavior could be evidence for the influence of either pristine gas inflows or galactic outflows triggered by starbursts, both of which can produce a drop in metallicity.
Highlights
Feedback from supermassive black holes (SMBH) in active galaxies plays a key role in the evolution of galaxies
In this article we present results that show that Active galactic nuclei (AGN) can have an effect on the chemical enrichment of their host galaxies using the fossil record technique on Calar Alto Legacy Integral Field Area Survey (CALIFA) galaxies
We find that galaxies currently hosting an AGN are more likely to show this drop in their metal content compared to the quiescent sample
Summary
Feedback from supermassive black holes (SMBH) in active galaxies plays a key role in the evolution of galaxies. Torrey et al (2014) study how the feedback from, among others, AGN can affect the stellar content of their host galaxies by performing cosmological simulations and comparing the resulting galaxies to observational. An observational analysis of the impact AGN have on the chemical evolution of galaxies such as the work we present here can be an important tool in furthering these kinds of studies. We perform the same analysis but comparing the galaxies depending on their star formation. These comparisons allow us to check whether the presence of an AGN or a massive star formation episode can influence the metallicity of the stellar populations in the host galaxy.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
