Central Active Galactic Nucleus Research Articles

Stellar Populations of AGN-host Dwarf Galaxies Selected with Different Methods

In this paper we investigate the stellar populations and star formation histories of 235 active galactic nucleus (AGN)-host dwarf galaxies, consisting of four samples identified separately with different methods (i.e., radio, X-ray, mid-IR and variability), utilizing the synthesis code STARLIGHT and spectra from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 8. Our results show that the variability sample is the oldest, while the mid-IR sample is the youngest, for which the luminosity at 4020 Å is dominated (>50%) by the young population (t < 108 yr). The light-weighted mean stellar age of the whole sample is in general about 0.7 dex younger than the optical sample studied in Cai et al. We compare the population results between fitting models with and without a power-law (PL) component and find that the neglect of a PL component would lead to an under- and over-estimation by 0.2 and 0.1 dex for the light- and mass-weighted mean stellar age, respectively, for our sample of dwarf galaxies, which has a mean fractional contribution of ∼16% from the AGN. In addition, we obtain further evidence for a possible suppression of star formation in the host galaxy by the central AGN. We also find that there exists an anti-correlation between the extinction-corrected [O iii] luminosity and light-weighted mean stellar age, confirming our previous finding that there is a physical connection between AGN and star-forming activities in AGN-host dwarfs.

Galaxy Groups as the Ultimate Probe of AGN Feedback

The co-evolution between supermassive black holes and their environment is most directly traced by the hot atmospheres of dark matter halos. The cooling of the hot atmosphere supplies the central regions with fresh gas, igniting active galactic nuclei (AGN) with long duty cycles. The outflows from the central engine tightly couple with the surrounding gaseous medium and provide the dominant heating source, preventing runaway cooling. Every major modern hydrodynamical simulation suite now includes a prescription for AGN feedback to reproduce the realistic populations of galaxies. However, the mechanisms governing the feeding/feedback cycle between the central black holes and their surrounding galaxies and halos are still poorly understood. Galaxy groups are uniquely suited to constrain the mechanisms governing the cooling–heating balance, as the energy supplied by the central AGN can exceed the gravitational binding energy of halo gas particles. Here, we provide a brief overview of our knowledge of the impact of AGN on the hot atmospheres of galaxy groups, with a specific focus on the thermodynamic profiles of the groups. We then present our on-going efforts to improve on the implementation of AGN feedback in galaxy evolution models by providing precise measurements of the properties of galaxy groups. We introduce the XMM-Newton Group AGN Project (X-GAP), a large program on XMM-Newton targeting a sample of 49 galaxy groups out to R500c.

The galaxy group merger origin of the Cloverleaf odd radio circle system

Odd radio circles (ORCs) are a newly discovered class of extended faint radio sources of unknown origin. We report the first detection of diffuse X-ray gas at the location of a low-redshift ORC (z = 0.046) known as Cloverleaf ORC. This observation was performed with the XMM-Newton X-ray telescope. The physical extent of the diffuse X-ray emission corresponds to a region of approximately 230 kpc by 160 kpc, lying perpendicular to the radio emission detected by ASKAP. The X-ray spectrum shows characteristics of thermal multiphase gas with temperatures of 1.10 ± 0.08 keV and 0.22 ± 0.01 keV and a central density of (4.9 ± 0.6)×10−4 cm−3, indicating that the Cloverleaf ORC resides in a low-mass galaxy group. Using X-ray observations, with hydrostatic equilibrium and isothermal assumptions, we measure the galaxy group to have a gas mass and a total mass of (7.7 ± 0.8)×1011 M⊙ and 2.6 ± 0.3 × 1013 M⊙ within the overdensity radius R500. The presence of a high-velocity subgroup identified in optical data, the orientation of the brightest cluster galaxy, the disturbed morphologies of galaxies toward the east of the Cloverleaf ORC, and the irregular morphology of the X-ray emission suggest that this system is undergoing a galaxy group merger. The radio power of the ORC could be explained by the shock reacceleration of fossil cosmic rays generated by a previous episode of black hole activity in the central active galactic nucleus.

The first high-redshift cavity power measurements of cool-core galaxy clusters with the International LOFAR Telescope

Radio-mode feedback associated with the active galactic nuclei (AGNs) at the cores of galaxy clusters injects a large amount of energy into the intracluster medium (ICM), offsetting radiative losses through X-ray emission. This mechanism prevents the ICM from rapidly cooling down and fueling extreme starburst activity as it accretes onto the central galaxies, and it is therefore a key ingredient in the evolution of galaxy clusters. However, the influence and mode of feedback at high redshifts (\(z remains largely unknown. Low-frequency sub-arcsecond-resolution radio observations taken with the International LOFAR Telescope have demonstrated their ability to assist X-ray observations with constraining the energy output from the AGNs (or "cavity power") in galaxy clusters, thereby enabling research at higher redshifts than before. In this pilot project, we tested this hybrid method on a high-redshift (\(0.6&lt;z&lt;1.3\)) sample of 13 galaxy clusters for the first time with the aim of verifying the performance of this method at these redshifts and providing the first estimates of the cavity power associated with the central AGN for a sample of distant clusters. We were able to detect clear radio lobes in three out of 13 galaxy clusters at redshifts of \(0.7&lt;z&lt;0.9\), and we used these detections in combination with ICM pressures surrounding the radio lobes obtained from standard profiles to calculate the corresponding cavity powers of the AGNs. Combining our results with the literature, the current data appear to suggest that the average cavity power peaked at a redshift of \(z and slowly decreases toward higher redshifts. However, we require more and tighter constraints on the cavity volume and a better understanding of our observational systematics to confirm any deviation of the cavity power trend from a constant level.

Deep Chandra Observations of A2495: A Possible Sloshing-regulated Feedback Cycle in a Triple-offset Galaxy Cluster

We present the analysis of new, deep Chandra observations (130 ks) of the galaxy cluster A2495. This object is known for the presence of a triple offset between the peaks of the intracluster medium (ICM), the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG), and the warm gas glowing in Hα line. The new Chandra data confirm that the X-ray emission peak is located at a distance of ∼6.2 kpc from the BCG, and at ∼3.9 kpc from the Hα emission peak. Moreover, we identify two generations of X-ray cavities in the ICM, likely inflated by the central radio galaxy activity. Through a detailed morphological and spectral analysis, we determine that the power of the active galactic nucleus (AGN) outbursts (P cav = 4.7 ± 1.3 × 1043 erg s−1) is enough to counterbalance the radiative losses from ICM cooling (L cool = 5.7 ± 0.1 × 1043 erg s−1). This indicates that, despite a fragmented cooling core, A2495 still harbors an effective feedback cycle. We argue that the offsets are most likely caused by sloshing of the ICM, supported by the presence of spiral structures and a probable cold front in the gas at ∼58 kpc east of the center. Ultimately, we find that the outburst interval between the two generations of X-ray cavities is of the order of the dynamical sloshing timescale, as already hinted from the previous Chandra snapshot. We thus speculate that sloshing may be able to regulate the timescales of AGN feedback in A2495, by periodically fueling the central AGN.

Deep Chandra Observation of the Remarkable Ionization Cones of NGC 5252

Seyfert galaxy NGC 5252 harbors enormously extended ionization cones that have been previously detected in the optical and X-ray band, offering a unique opportunity to investigate the interaction between the central active galactic nucleus (AGN) and the surrounding gas in the AGN host galaxy. We present deep Chandra imaging spectroscopy of NGC 5252 with a total exposure time of 230 ks. The morphology in the soft X-rays shows resolved extended structure from the nucleus to a large radial distance, and for the first time we detect the outermost X-ray arc at ∼20 kpc. The X-ray cone mostly follows the direction of the optical ionization cones in the southeast and northwest directions, about 20° misaligned with the major axis of the galactic disk of NGC 5252. Fitting the spectra extracted from radial sectors with photoionization models supports that extended emission is mainly photoionized by the central AGN. We also examine the variation of the photoionization parameter along the radial extension and infer a decreasing ionizing continuum of the central engine by a factor of ∼50 over the past 64,000 yr. These findings are consistent with previous suggestions that NGC 5252 resembles a quasar relic with an M ∼ 109 M ⊙ supermassive black hole that went through a minor merger event and switched to a low accretion rate state.

Absorption of Millimeter-band CO and CN in the Early Universe: Molecular Clouds in the Radio Galaxy B2 0902+34 at Redshift 3.4

Using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, we have detected absorption lines due to carbon monoxide, CO(J = 0 → 1), and the cyano radical, CN(N = 0 → 1), associated with radio galaxy B2 0902+34 at redshift z = 3.4. The detection of millimeter-band absorption observed 1.5 Gyr after the Big Bang facilitates studying molecular clouds down to gas masses inaccessible to emission-line observations. The CO absorption in B2 0902+34 has a peak optical depth of τ ≥ 8.6% and consists of two components, one of which has the same redshift as previously detected 21 cm absorption of neutral hydrogen (H i) gas. Each CO component traces an integrated H2 column density of NH2 ≳ 3 × 1020 cm−2. CN absorption is detected for both CO components, as well as for a blueshifted component not detected in CO, with CO/CN line ratios ranging from ≲0.4 to 2.4. We discuss the scenario that the absorption components originate from collections of small and dense molecular clouds that are embedded in a region with more diffuse gas and high turbulence, possibly within the influence of the central active galactic nucleus or a starburst region. The degree of reddening in B2 0902+34, with rest-frame color B − K ∼ 4.2, is lower than the very red colors (B − K > 6) found among other known redshifted CO absorption systems at z < 1. Nevertheless, when including the many nondetections from the literature, a potential correlation between the absorption-line strength and B − K color is evident, giving weight to the argument that the red colors of CO absorbers are due to a high dust content.

Active Galactic Nuclei and Host Galaxies in COSMOS-Web. I. NIRCam Images, Point-spread-function Models and Initial Results on X-Ray-selected Broad-line AGNs at 0.35 ≲ z ≲ 3.5

We present detailed and comprehensive data reduction and point-spread-function (PSF) model construction for all public JWST NIRCam imaging data from the COSMOS-Web treasury program (up to 2023 June, totaling 0.28 deg2). We show that the NIRCam PSF has significant short-timescale temporal variations and random spatial variations in all four filters (F115W, F150W, F277W, and F444W). Combining NIRCam with archival Hubble Space Telescope imaging, we perform multiwavelength active galactic nucleus (AGN)+host image decomposition to study the properties of 143 X-ray-selected (L bol = 1043.6–47.2 erg s−1) broad-line AGNs at 0.35 ≲ z ≲ 3.5. Leveraging the superb resolution, wavelength coverage, and sensitivity of NIRCam, we successfully detect host stellar emission after decomposing the central AGN point source in 142 objects. ∼2/3 AGNs are in star-forming galaxies based on the UVJ diagram, suggesting that there is no instantaneous negative AGN feedback. X-ray-selected broad-line AGN hosts follow a similar stellar mass–size relation as inactive galaxies, albeit with slightly smaller galaxy sizes. We find that although major mergers are rare (∼7%–22%) among the sample, more subtle nonaxisymmetric features from stellar bars, spiral arms, and minor mergers are ubiquitous, highlighting the importance of secular processes and minor mergers in triggering AGN activity. For a subsample of 30 AGNs at 1 < z < 2.5 with black hole mass measurements from single epoch spectra, they follow a similar black hole mass-stellar mass relation as local inactive early-type galaxies but reside preferentially near the upper envelope of nearby AGNs. We caution that selection biases and the intrinsic differences of AGN populations at different redshifts may significantly affect their location on the black hole mass-stellar mass plane.

New insights into the role of AGNs in forming the cluster red sequence

ABSTRACT As a considerable investment of time from various telescope facilities was dedicated toward studying the Spiderweb protocluster at z = 2.2, it so far remains one of the most extensively studied protocluster. We report here the latest results in this field, adding a new dimension to previous research on cluster formation at high redshift. Previous studies have reported a significant overdensity (δ ∼ 10) of massive Hα (+ [N ii])-emitting galaxies in 3700 comoving Mpc3. Many of these were previously considered to be dusty, actively star-forming galaxies, given their rest-frame optical and infrared features. However, this study argues that a third of them are more likely to be ‘passively evolving’ galaxies with low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (AGNs) rather than star-forming galaxies, given the multiwavelength spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting including an AGN component. For their SED-based star formation rates to be valid, bulk of their Hα + [N ii] emission should come from the central AGNs. This difference in interpretation between this work and past studies, including ours, is particularly supported by the recent deep Chandra/X-ray observation. Furthermore, we have spectroscopically confirmed a quiescent nature for one of these AGNs, with its multiple stellar absorption lines but also low-ionization emission lines. This important update provides new insights into the role of AGNs in forming the cluster red sequence observed in the present-day universe.

The narrow-line region properties of ESO 138-G001 unveiled by SOAR/SIFS observations

ABSTRACT We study in detail the inner ∼600 pc of the Seyfert 2 galaxy ESO 138-G001 by means of the Soar Integral Field Spectrograph attached to the SOAR telescope. This source is known for displaying a very rich coronal line spectrum and a blob of high-excitation emission ∼3 arcsec south-east (SE) of the active galactic nucleus (AGN). The nature of this emission has not been fully understood yet. The excellent spatial and spectral resolution of SIFS allows us to confirm that the bulk of the coronal line forest emission region is very compact, of ∼0.8 arcsec in diameter, centred on the AGN and most likely powered by radiation from the AGN. In addition, evidence of a nuclear outflow, restricted to the inner 1 arcsec centred at the nucleus is found based on the detection of broad components in the most important emission lines. The gas in the inner few tens of parsecs filters out the AGN continuum so that the NLR is basically illuminated by a modified SED. This scenario is confirmed by means of photoionization models that reproduce the most important lines detected in the SIFS field of view. From the modelling, we also found that the black hole mass MBH of the AGN is about 105.50 M⊙, in agreement with previous X-ray observations. The spectrum of the SE blob is dominated by emission lines of low- to mid-ionization, with no hints of coronal lines. Our results show that it represents gas in the ionization cone that is photoionized by the filtered central AGN continuum.

Shock imprints on the radio mini halo in RBS 797

Aims. In this work, we analysed new LOw Frequency ARray observations of the mini halo in the cluster RBS 797, together with archival Very Large Array observations and the recent Chandra results. This cluster is known to host a powerful active galactic nucleus (AGN) at its centre, with two pairs of jets propagating in orthogonal directions. Recent X-ray observations have detected three pairs of shock fronts within 125 kpc from the cluster centre, connected with the activity of the central AGN. Our aim is to investigate the connection between the mini halo emission and the activity of the central source. Methods. We have used different methods to separate the emission of the central source from the diffuse mini halo emission, and we have derived the radial spectral index trend of the mini halo. Results. We find that the diffuse radio emission is elongated in different directions at 144 MHz (east-west) with respect to 1.4 GHz (north-south), tracing the orientation of the two pairs of jets. The mini halo emission is characterised by an average spectral index α = −1.02 ± 0.05. The spectral index profile of the mini halo shows a gradual flattening from the centre to the periphery. Such a trend is unique among the mini halos studied to date, and resembles the spectral index trend typical of particles re-accelerated by shocks. However, the estimated contribution to the radio brightness profile coming from shock re-acceleration is found to be insufficient to account for the radial brightness profile of the mini halo. Conclusions. We propose three scenarios that could explain the observed trend: (i) the AGN-driven shocks are propagating onto an already existing mini halo, re-energising the electrons and leaving clear imprints in the mini halo spectral properties. We estimate that the polarisation induced by the shocks could be detected at 6 GHz and above; (ii) we could be witnessing turbulent re-acceleration in a high magnetic field cluster; and (iii) the mini halo could have a hadronic origin, in which the particles are injected by the central AGN and the diffusion coefficient depends of the cosmic ray proton momentum. Future observations in polarisation would be fundamental to understand the role of shocks and of the magnetic field.

Time-dependent photoionization spectroscopy of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 3783

We present an investigation into the spectroscopic properties of non-equilibrium photoionization processes operating in a time-evolving mode. Through a quantitative comparison between equilibrium and time-evolving models, we find that the time-evolving model exhibits a broader distribution of charge states, accompanied by a slight shift in the peak ionization state depending on the source variability and gas density. The time-evolving code tpho in SPEX was successfully employed to analyze the spectral properties of warm absorbers in the Seyfert galaxy NGC 3783. The incorporation of variability in the tpho model improves the fits of the time-integrated spectra, providing more accurate descriptions of the average charge states of several elements, in particular Fe, which is peaked around Fe XIX. The inferred densities and distances of the relevant X-ray absorber components are estimated to be approximately a few times 1011 m−3 and ≤1 pc, respectively. Furthermore, the updated fit suggests a potential scenario in which the observed absorbers are being expelled from the central active galactic nucleus at the escape velocities. This implies that these absorbers might not play a significant role in the active galactic nucleus feedback mechanism.

Large-scale Dynamics of Line-driven Winds with the Re-radiation Effect

Previous simulations studying winds only focus on the line force due to photons from central active galactic nuclei. What properties of the winds will be when including the re-radiation force due to the scattered and reprocessed photons (i.e., the re-radiation effect)? We perform simulations to study the large-scale dynamics of accretion disk winds driven by radiation line force and re-radiation force. For the fiducial run, we find that the re-radiation force drives stronger outflows during the early stages. When the flows get into the steadiness, the UV radiation due to spectral lines dominates total radiation and the re-radiation effect could be negligible. The opening angle of winds narrows as the initial gas density increases. The larger the gas density is, the stronger the re-radiation effect will be. For M BH = 106 M ⊙, ε = 0.3, the outflows do become much stronger with the re-radiation effect and the winds still cannot escape from gravitational potential. We find that the detection probability of ultra-fast outflows and the properties of the winds are both consistent with the observations.

The Kiloparsec-scale Influence of the AGN in NGC 1068 with SALT RSS Fabry–Pérot Spectroscopy* *Based on observations made with the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT).

We present Fabry–Pérot (FP) imaging and longslit spectroscopy of the nearby Seyfert II galaxy NGC 1068 using the Robert Stobie Spectrograph (RSS) on the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) to observe the impact of the central active galactic nucleus (AGN) on the ionized gas in the galaxy on kiloparsec scales. With SALT RSS FP we are able to observe the Hα + [N ii] emission line complex over a ∼2.6 arcmin2 field of view. Combined with the longslit observation, we demonstrate the efficacy of FP spectroscopy for studying nearby Type II Seyfert galaxies and investigate the kiloparsec-scale ionized gas in NGC 1068. We confirm the results of previous work from the TYPHOON/Progressive Integral Step Method survey that the kiloparsec-scale ionized features in NGC 1068 are driven by AGN photoionization. We analyze the spatial variation of the AGN intensity to put forward an explanation for the shape and structure of the kiloparsec-scale ionization features. Using a toy model, we suggest the ionization features may be understood as a light echo from a burst of enhanced AGN activity ∼2000 yr ago.

Systematic Research of Low-redshift Optically Selected SDSS Type 2 AGNs but with Apparent Long-term Optical Variabilities from Catalina Sky Survey. I. Data Sample and Basic Results

The main objective of this article, the first in a dedicated series, is to report basic results on systematic research of low-redshift optically selected SDSS Type 2 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) but with apparent optical variabilities. For all the pipeline-classified Type 2 AGNs in SDSS DR16 with z < 0.3 and signal-to-noise ratio > 10, long-term optical V-band light curves are collected from the Catalina Sky Survey. Through all light curves described by a damped random walk process with process parameters of σ/(mag/days0.5) and τ/days, 156 Type 2 AGNs have apparent variabilities with process parameters at least 3 times larger than corresponding uncertainties and with ln(σ/(mag/days0.5)) > −4, indicating central AGN activity regions directly in the line of sight, leading the 156 Type 2 AGNs as misclassified Type 2 AGNs. Furthermore, based on spectroscopic emission features around Hα, 31 out of the 156 AGNs have broad Hα, indicating the 31 Type 2 AGNs are actually Type 1.8 and/or 1.9 AGNs. Meanwhile, 14 out of the 156 AGNs have multiepoch SDSS spectra. After checking multiepoch spectra of the 14 objects, no clues for appearance and/or disappearance of broad lines indicates true Type 2 AGNs rather than changing-look AGNs are preferred in the collected Type 2 AGNs with long-term variabilities. Moreover, a small sample of Type 2 AGNs have long-term variabilities with features roughly described by theoretical tidal disruption events (TDEs) expected t −5/3, indicating probable central TDEs as further and strong evidence to support true Type 2 AGNs.

A MeerKAT-meets-LOFAR study of Abell 1413: a moderately disturbed non-cool-core cluster hosting a ~500 kpc ‘mini’-halo

ABSTRACT Many relaxed cool-core clusters host diffuse radio emission on scales of hundreds of kiloparsecs: mini-haloes. However, the mechanism responsible for generating them, as well as their connection with central active galactic nuclei, is elusive and many questions related to their physical properties and origins remain unanswered. This paper presents new radio observations of the galaxy cluster Abell 1413 performed with MeerKAT (L-band; 872 to 1712 MHz) and LOFAR HBA (120 to 168 MHz) as part of a statistical and homogeneous census of mini-haloes. Abell 1413 is unique among mini-halo clusters as it is a moderately disturbed non-cool-core cluster. Our study reveals an asymmetric mini-halo up to 584 kpc in size at 1283 MHz, twice as large as first reported at similar frequencies. The spectral index is flatter than previously reported, with an integrated value of α = −1.01 ± 0.06, shows significant spatial variation, and a tentative radial steepening. We studied the point-to-point X-ray/radio surface brightness correlation to investigate the thermal/non-thermal connection: our results show a strong connection between these components, with a superlinear slope of $b = 1.63^{+0.10}_{-0.10}$ at 1283 MHz and $b = 1.20^{+0.13}_{-0.11}$ at 145 MHz. We also explore the X-ray surface brightness/radio spectral index correlation, finding a slope of $b = 0.59^{+0.11}_{-0.11}$. Both investigations support the evidence of spectral steepening. Finally, in the context of understanding the particle acceleration mechanism, we present a simple theoretical model which demonstrates that hybrid scenarios – secondary electrons (re-)accelerated by turbulence – reproduce a superlinear correlation slope.

Resolving Galactic-scale Obscuration of X-Ray AGNs at z ≳ 1 with COSMOS-Web

A large fraction of the accreting supermassive black hole population is shrouded by copious amounts of gas and dust, particularly in the distant (z ≳ 1) universe. While much of the obscuration is attributed to a parsec-scale torus, there is a known contribution from the larger-scale host galaxy. Using JWST/NIRCam imaging from the COSMOS-Web survey, we probe the galaxy-wide dust distribution in X-ray selected active galactic nuclei (AGNs) up to z ∼ 2. Here, we focus on a sample of three AGNs with their host galaxies exhibiting prominent dust lanes, potentially due to their edge-on alignment. These represent 27% (3 out of 11 with early NIRCam data) of the heavily obscured (N H > 1023 cm−2) AGN population. With limited signs of a central AGN in the optical and near-infrared, the NIRCam images are used to produce reddening maps E(B − V) of the host galaxies. We compare the mean central value of E(B − V) to the X-ray obscuring column density along the line of sight to the AGN (N H ∼ 1023−23.5 cm−2). We find that the extinction due to the host galaxy is present (0.6 ≲ E(B − V) ≲ 0.9; 1.9 ≲ A V ≲ 2.8) and significantly contributes to the X-ray obscuration at a level of N H ∼ 1022.5 cm−2 assuming an SMC gas-to-dust ratio that amounts to ≲30% of the total obscuring column density. These early results, including three additional cases from CEERS, demonstrate the ability to resolve such dust structures with JWST and separate the different circumnuclear and galaxy-scale obscuring structures.

Outflow densities and ionization mechanisms in the NLRs of the prototypical Seyfert galaxies NGC 1068 and NGC 4151

ABSTRACT Despite being thought to play an important role in galaxy evolution, the true impact of outflows driven by active galactic nuclei (AGNs) on their host galaxies is unclear. In part, this may be because electron densities of outflowing gas are often underestimated: recent studies that use alternative diagnostics have measured much higher densities than those from commonly used techniques and consequently find modest outflow masses and kinetic powers. Furthermore, outflow ionization mechanisms – which are often used to probe acceleration mechanisms – are also uncertain. To address these issues, we have analysed archival HST/STIS spectra of the inner regions (r &amp;lt; 160 pc) of the nearby prototypical Seyfert galaxies NGC 1068 and NGC 4151, which show evidence of warm-ionized outflows driven by the central AGN. We derive high electron densities (103.6 &amp;lt; ne &amp;lt; 104.8 cm−3) using the transauroral [O ii] and [S ii] emission line ratios for the first time with spatially resolved observations. Moreover, we find evidence that the gas along the radio axis in NGC 1068 has a significant AGN-photoionized matter-bounded component, and there is evidence for shock-ionization and/or radiation-bounded AGN-photoionization along the radio axis in NGC 4151. We also note that the outflow extents are similar to those of the radio structures, consistent with acceleration by jet-induced shocks. Taken together, our investigation demonstrates the diversity of physical and ionization conditions in the narrow-line regions of Seyfert galaxies, and hence reinforces the need for robust diagnostics of outflowing gas densities and ionization mechanisms.

The XXL Survey

Context. X-ray observations of galaxy clusters are impacted by the presence of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in a manner that is challenging to quantify, leading to biases in the detection and measurement of cluster properties for both astrophysics and cosmological applications. Aims. We detect and characterise clusters contaminated by central AGNs within the XXL survey footprint and provide a systematic assessment of the cosmological impact of such systems in X-ray cluster samples. Methods. We introduce a new automated class for AGN-contaminated (AC) clusters in the XXL source detection pipeline. The majority of these systems are otherwise missed by current X-ray cluster-detection methods. The AC selection is also effective in distinguishing AGN and cool-core presence using supplementary optical and infrared information. Results. We present 33 AC objects, including 25 clusters in the redshift range, 0.14 ≤ z ≤ 1.03, and eight other sources with significantly peaked central profiles based on X-ray observations. Six of these are new confirmed clusters. We computed the missed fraction of the XXL survey, which is defined as the fraction of genuine clusters that are undetected due to their centrally peaked X-ray profiles. We report seven undetected AC clusters above z &gt; 0.6, in the range where X-ray cluster detection efficiency drops significantly. The missed fraction is estimated to be at the level of 5% for the 50 square-degree XXL area. The impact on cosmological estimates from missed clusters is negligible for XXL, but it produces a tension of ∼3σ with the fiducial cosmology when considering larger survey areas. Conclusions. This work demonstrates the first systematic attempt to quantify the percentage of missed clusters in X-ray surveys as a result of central AGN contamination. Looking towards surveys such as eROSITA and Athena, larger areas and increased sensitivity will significantly enhance cluster detection, and therefore robust methods for characterising AGN contamination will be crucial for precise cluster cosmology, particularly in the redshift z &gt; 1 regime.

Transient obscuration event captured in NGC 3227

Context. Obscuration events in type I active galactic nuclei (AGN) have been detected more frequently in recent years. The strong flux decrease in the soft X-ray band between observations has been caused by clouds with large column densities transiting our line of sight (LOS) and covering the central AGN. Another event has been captured in NGC 3227 at the end of 2019, which was observed with XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, and the Hubble Space Telescope. Aims. We aim to determine the nature and origin of the observed spectral variability in the 2019 obscuration event. Methods. We study the evolution of the obscurer by splitting the two XMM-Newton observations from 2019 into timing bins of length ∼10 ks. We used the SPEX code to analyse the 0.35–10 keV EPIC-PN spectra of each timing bin. Results. In the first observation (Obs 1), there is a strong anti-correlation between the column density (NH) of the obscurer and the continuum normalisations of the X-ray power law and soft Comptonisation components (Npow and Ncomt, respectively). The power-law continuum models the hard X-rays produced by the corona, and the Comptonisation component models the soft X-ray excess and emission from the accretion disk. Through further testing, we conclude that the continuum is likely to drive the observed variability, but we cannot rule out a possible contribution from NH of the obscurer if it fully transverses across the ionising source within our LOS during the observation. The ionisation parameter (ξ) of the obscurer is not easily constrained, and therefore it is not clear whether it varies in response to changes in the ionising continuum. The second observation (Obs 2) displays a significantly lower count rate due to the combination of a high NH and covering fraction of the obscurer, and a lower continuum flux. Conclusions. The observed variability seen during the obscuration event of NGC 3227 in 2019 is likely driven by the continuum, but the obscurer varies at the same time, making it difficult to distinguish between the two possibilities with full certainty.