Extended Emission-line Regions Research Articles

The TELPERION survey for extended emission regions around AGN: a strongly-interacting and merging galaxy sample

Abstract We present the results of a search for Extended Emission-Line Regions (EELRs) ionized by extant or recently-faded active galactic nuclei (AGN), using [O III] narrowband imaging and spectroscopic followup. The sample includes 198 galaxies in 92 strongly interacting or merging galaxy systems in the range z = 0.009 − 0.0285. Among these, three have EELRs extended beyond 10 kpc in projection from the nucleus detected in previous studies. We identify a single new distant emission region, projected 35 kpc from UGC 5941. Our optical spectrum does not detect He II, but its strong-line ratios put this in the same class as securely-characterized EELR clouds. The nucleus of UGC 5941 is dominated by recent star formation, preventing detection of any weak ongoing AGN. Overall counts of distant EELRs in this and the previous TELPERION samples give incidence 2–5% depending on galaxy and AGN selection, 20-50 times higher than the Galaxy Zoo EELR survey with its higher surface-brightness threshold and much larger input sample. AGN in interacting and merging systems have an increased detection rate 12 ± 6%, while none are detected around noninteracting AGN. Some of these AGN are at luminosity low enough to require additional X-ray or far-infrared information to tell whether the EELR ionization level suggests long-term fading.

Influence of Jets on [O iii] Extensions in Green Pea/Bean Galaxies

We present a study investigating the influence of jets on galaxies exhibiting strong [O iii]λ5007 emission, known as Green Peas and Green Beans. Our sample comprised 12 nearby sources (z ∼ 0.04–0.1, six with jets and six without jets) with high [O iii] luminosity (L ∼ 1040 erg s−1), selected from a radio-selected galaxy sample observed with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and Radio Sky at Twenty-centimeters survey. We perform Large Binocular Telescope–Multi-Object Double Spectrograph long-slit spectroscopy at two position angles for each galaxy: one aligned with the jet direction and another perpendicular to it. By tracing the [O iii] emission along these slits, we aimed to assess the extension of the narrow line region and examine the impact of jets. Surprisingly, our analysis revealed no preferred direction for the extension of the [O iii] emission, indicating that jets have a limited influence on the extended emission line regions (EELRs). This also suggests the possibility of missed detection of conical-shaped EELRs aligned with the jets, attributable to our slit orientations. Furthermore, we compared the extension of [O ii] emission, which traces star-forming regions, with that of [O iii]. We observed a significant difference, with [O ii] exhibiting a considerably greater extension along the galactic plane. This suggests a stronger association of [O ii] emission with stellar processes.

Ionizing Spotlight of Active Galactic Nucleus

Ionization cones and relativistic jets give us one of the most large-scale example of active galactic nuclei (AGN) influence on the surrounding gas environment in galaxies and beyond. The study of ionization cones makes it possible not only to test the predictions of the unified model of galactic activity, but also to probe galaxy gas environment and trace how the luminosity of the nucleus changes over time (a light echo). In the external galactic or even extragalactic gas ionization cones create Extended Emission-Line Regions (EELRs) which can span distances from several to hundreds kpc away a host galaxy. We review the recent results of studying the gas kinematics and its ionization properties in EELRs with a special attention to search of fading AGN radiation on the time scale few×(104−105) years.The role of modern narrow-band and integral-field surveys in these researches is also considered.

Signatures of feedback in the spectacular extended emission region of NGC 5972

ABSTRACT We present Chandra X-ray Observatory observations and Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph spectra of NGC 5972, one of the 19 ‘Voorwerpjes’ galaxies. This galaxy contains an extended emission-line region (EELR) and an arcsecond scale nuclear bubble. NGC 5972 is a faded active galactic nucleus (AGN), with EELR luminosity suggesting a 2.1 dex decrease in Lbol in the last ∼5 × 104 yr. We investigate the role of AGN feedback in exciting the EELR and bubble given the long-term variability and potential accretion state changes. We detect broad-band (0.3–8 keV) X-ray emission in the near-nuclear regions, coincident with the [O iii] bubble, as well as diffuse soft X-ray emission coincident with the EELR. The soft nuclear (0.5–1.5 keV) emission is spatially extended and the spectra are consistent with two apec thermal populations (∼0.80 and ∼0.10 keV). We find a bubble age >2.2 Myr, suggesting formation before the current variability. We find evidence for efficient feedback with $P_{\textrm {kin}}/L_{\textrm {bol}}\sim 0.8~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, which may be overestimated given the recent Lbol variation. [O iii] kinematics show a 300 km s−1 high-ionization velocity consistent with disturbed rotation or potentially the line-of-sight component of a ∼780 km s−1 thermal X-ray outflow capable of driving strong shocks to photoionize the precursor material. We explore possibilities to explain the overall jet, radio lobe and EELR misalignment including evidence for a double supermassive black hole which could support a complex misaligned system.

Fading AGNs in Poststarburst Galaxies

The role of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in quenching galaxies and driving the evolution from star forming to quiescence remains a key question in galaxy evolution. We present evidence from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at APO survey for fading AGN activity in 6/93 poststarburst galaxies. These six galaxies show extended emission line regions (EELRs) consistent with ionization from past AGN activity, analogous to “Hanny’s Voorwerp” and other systems where the [O iii] λ5007 emission is bright enough to be visible in broadband imaging. Using the infrared luminosities from IRAS to estimate the current AGN luminosities, we find that 5/6 of the poststarburst galaxies have current AGNs which have faded from the peak luminosity required to have ionized the EELRs. Given the rate at which we observe EELRs, the typical EELR visibility timescale, and an estimate of how often EELRs would be visible, we estimate the duty cycle of AGN activity during the poststarburst phase. The timescale for the galaxy to cycle between peaks in AGN luminosity is t EELR ∼ 1.1–2.3 × 105 yr. Given the rate at which we observe current AGN activity during this phase, we estimate that the AGN spends only 5.3% of this time (or t ON = 0.6–1.3 × 104 yr) in its luminous phase, with the rest of the time spent “off” or in a low-luminosity phase. The length of this duty cycle may explain why so few luminous AGNs have been observed during the poststarburst phase, despite evidence for AGN feedback at work.

Detailed Accretion History of the Supermassive Black Hole in NGC 5972 over the Past ≳104 yr through the Extended Emission-line Region

We present integral field spectroscopic observations of NGC 5972 obtained with the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer at the Very Large Telescope. NGC 5972 is a nearby galaxy containing both an active galactic nucleus (AGN) and an extended emission-line region (EELR) reaching out to ∼17 kpc from the nucleus. We analyze the physical conditions of the EELR using spatially resolved spectra, focusing on the radial dependence of ionization state together with the light-travel time distance to probe the variability of the AGN on ≳104 yr timescales. The kinematic analysis suggests multiple components: (a) a faint component following the rotation of the large-scale disk, (b) a component associated with the EELR suggestive of extraplanar gas connected to tidal tails, and (c) a kinematically decoupled nuclear disk. Both the kinematics and the observed tidal tails suggest a major past interaction event. Emission-line diagnostics along the EELR arms typically evidence Seyfert-like emission, implying that the EELR was primarily ionized by the AGN. We generate a set of photoionization models and fit these to different regions along the EELR. This allows us to estimate the bolometric luminosity required at different radii to excite the gas to the observed state. Our results suggest that NGC 5972 is a fading quasar, showing a steady gradual decrease in intrinsic AGN luminosity, and hence the accretion rate onto the SMBH, by a factor ∼100 over the past 5 × 104 yr.

The MURALES survey

This is the sixth paper presenting the results of the MUse RAdio Loud Emission line Snapshot survey. We observed 37 radio sources from the 3C sample with z < 0.3 and a declination < 20° with the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer optical integral field spectrograph at the Very Large Telescope. Here, we focus on the properties of the extended emission line regions (EELRs) that can be studied with unprecedented detail thanks to the depth of these observations. Line emission in the ten FR Is is, in most cases, confined to within ≲4kpc, while large-scale (≳4 kpc) ionized gas is seen in all but two of the 26 FR IIs. It usually takes the form of elongated or filamentary structures, typically extending between 10 and 30 kpc, but also reaching distances of ∼80 kpc. We find that the large-scale ionized gas structures show a tendency to be oriented at large angles from the radio axis, and that the gas on a scale of a few kiloparsecs from the nucleus often shows ordered rotation with a kinematical axis forming a median angle of 65° with the radio axis. We also discuss the velocity field and ionization properties of the EELRs. The observed emission line structures appear to be associated with gaseous “superdisks” that formed after a gas-rich merger. The different properties of the EELR can be explained with a combination of the source evolutionary state and the orientation of the superdisk with respect to the radio axis. The general alignment between the superdisks and radio axis might be produced by stable and coherent accretion maintained over long timescales.

Detection of Extended Millimeter Emission in the Host Galaxy of 3C 273 and Its Implications for QSO Feedback via High Dynamic Range ALMA Imaging

We estimate the amount of negative feedback energy injected into the interstellar medium (ISM) of the host galaxy of 3C 273, a prototypical radio-loud quasar. We obtained 93, 233, and 343 GHz continuum images with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). After self-calibration and point-source subtraction, we reach an image dynamic range of ∼85,000 at 93 GHz, ∼39,000 at 233 GHz, and ∼2500 at 343 GHz. These are currently the highest image dynamic range obtained using ALMA. We detect spatially extended millimeter emission associated with the host galaxy, cospatial with the extended emission line region (EELR) observed in the optical. The millimeter spectral energy distribution and comparison with centimeter data show that the extended emission cannot be explained by dust thermal emission or synchrotron or thermal bremsstrahlung arising from massive star formation. We interpret the extended millimeter emission as thermal bremsstrahlung from gas directly ionized by the central source. The extended flux indicates that at least ∼7% of the bolometric flux of the nuclear source was used to ionize atomic hydrogen in the host galaxy. The ionized gas is estimated to be as massive as 1010–1011 M ⊙, but the molecular gas fraction with respect to the stellar mass is consistent with other ellipticals, suggesting that direct ionization ISM by the QSO may not be sufficient to suppress star formation, or we are witnessing a short timescale before negative feedback becomes observable. The discovery of a radio counterpart to EELRs provides a new pathway to studying the QSO–host ISM interaction.

The TELPERION survey for distant [O iii] clouds around luminous and hibernating AGN

ABSTRACT We present a narrow-band [O iii] imaging survey of 111 active galactic nucleus (AGN) hosts and 17 merging-galaxy systems, in search of distant extended emission-line regions (EELRs) around AGNs (either extant or faded). Our data reach deeper than detection from the broad-band SDSS data and cover a wider field than some early emission-line surveys used to study extended structure around AGNs. Spectroscopic follow-up confirms two new distant AGN-ionized clouds, in the merging systems NGC 235 and NGC 5514, projected at 26 and 75 kpc from the nuclei (respectively). We also recover the previously known region in NGC 7252. These results strengthen the connection between EELRs and tidal features; kinematically quiescent distant EELRs are virtually always photoionized tidal debris. We see them in ≈10 per cent of the galaxies in our sample with tidal tails. Energy budgets suggest that the AGN in NGC 5514 has faded by >3 times during the extra light traveltime ≈250 000 yr from the nucleus to the cloud and then to the observer; strong shock emission in outflows masks the optical signature of the AGN. For NGC 235 our data are consistent with but do not unequivocally require variation over ≈85 000 yr. In addition to these very distant ionized clouds, we find luminous and extensive line emission within four galaxies – IC 1481, ESO 362-G08, NGC 5514, and NGC 7679. Among these, IC 1481 shows apparent ionization cones, a rare combination with its LINER AGN spectrum. In NGC 5514, we measure a 7-kpc shell expanding at ≈370 km s−1 west of the nucleus.

B2 0003+38A: A Classical Flat-spectrum Radio Quasar Hosted by a Rotation-dominated Galaxy with a Peculiar Massive Outflow

Abstract We present a detailed analysis of the single-slit optical spectrum of the flat-spectrum radio quasar (FSRQ) B2 0003+38A, taken by the Echellette Spectrograph and Imager (ESI) on the Keck II telescope. This classical low-redshift FSRQ (z = 0.22911, as measured from the stellar absorption lines) remains underexplored in its emission lines, though its broadband continuum properties from radio to X-ray are well studied. After removing the unresolved quasar nucleus and the starlight from the host galaxy, we obtain a spatially resolved 2D spectrum, which clearly shows three components, indicating a rotating disk, an extended emission-line region (EELR), and an outflow. The bulk of the EELR, with a characteristic mass M EELR ∼ 107 M ⊙, and redshifted by v EELR ≈ 120 km s−1 with respect to the quasar systemic velocity, shows a one-sided structure stretching to a projected distance of r EELR ∼ 20 kpc from the nucleus. The rotation curve of the rotating disk is consistent with that of a typical galactic disk, suggesting that the FSRQ is hosted by a disk galaxy. This conclusion is in accordance with the facts that strong absorption in the H i 21 cm line was previously observed, and that Na i λ λ5891, 5897 and Ca ii λ λ3934, 3969 doublets are detected in the optical ESI spectrum. B2 0003+38A will become the first FSRQ discovered to be hosted by a gas-rich disk galaxy, if this is confirmed by follow-up deep imaging and/or integral field unit mapping with a high spatial resolution. These observations will also help unravel the origin of the EELR.

Extended ionized-gas structures in Seyfert 2 galaxy Mrk 78

Search for and study of extended emission-line regions (EELRs) related to AGN in early-type galaxies is interesting to probe the history of nuclear ionization activity and also to understand the process of external gas accretion. In this work, we present observations of the EELR in Mrk 78 obtained at the 6-m Russian telescope using the long-slit and 3D spectroscopy methods. We show that ionized-gas clouds at the 12-16 kpc projected distances from the nucleus are ionized by the AGN radiation. Also we have checked if the galaxy appearing in the optical images in the immediate neighbourhood of Mrk 78 near the external clouds is a dwarf companion or a part of a tidal structure. However, the spectrum of this galaxy, SDSS J074240.37+651021.4, obtained at the 6-m telescope corresponds to the distant background galaxy.

A young and obscured AGN embedded in the giant radio galaxy Mrk 1498

Abstract Mrk 1498 is part of a sample of galaxies with extended emission line regions (extended outwards up to a distance of ∼7 kpc) suggested to be photo-ionized by an AGN that has faded away or that is still active but heavily absorbed. Interestingly, the nucleus of Mrk 1498 is at the center of two giant radio lobes with a projected linear size of 1.1 Mpc. Our multi-wavelength analysis reveals a complex nuclear structure, with a young radio source (Giga-hertz Peaked Spectrum) surrounded by a strong X-ray nuclear absorption, a mid-infrared spectrum that is dominated by the torus emission, plus a circum-nuclear extended emission in the [OIII] image (with radius of ∼ 1 kpc), most likely related to the ionization of the AGN, aligned with the small and large scale radio jet and extended also at X-rays. In addition a large-scale extended emission (up to ∼ 10 kpc) is only visible in [OIII]. These data show conclusive evidence of a heavily absorbed nucleus and has recently restarted its nuclear activity. To explain its complexity, we propose that Mrk 1498 is the result of a merging event or secular processes, such as a minor interaction, that has triggered the nuclear activity and produced tidal streams. The large-scale extended emission that gives place to the actual morphology could either be explained by star formation or outflowing material from the AGN.

An Extended Emission Line Region around Mrk 1172

AbstractWe serendipitously found an intriguing Extended Emission Line Region (EELR) near the quiescent and massive early-type Mrk 1172, with a projected extension of approximately 14 × 14 kpc. Its irregular shape, high gas content, strong emission lines and proximity to an isolated possible faded quasar raise questions about the ionization of this gas and the nature of this object. Analyzing the stellar population in both objects we observe that the EELR has a dominance of young-intermediate and intermediate stellar populations (200 Myr < t < 1 Gyr) with significant star formation activity, while Mrk 1172 is dominated by old stellar population (t > 5 Gyr). BPT diagnostic diagrams indicate that the gas in the EELR is photoionized by hot massive stars rather than by a hard radiation field or by shocks. Further analysis on abundances of the gas and its kinematics shall be performed to better comprehend the nature of this object and how it is interacting with Mrk 1172.

Hubble Space Telescope Emission-line Images of Nearby 3CR Radio Galaxies: Two Photoionization, Accretion, and Feedback Modes

Abstract We present HST/ACS narrowband images of a low-z sample of 19 3C radio galaxies to study the Hα and [O iii] emissions from the narrow-line region. Based on nuclear emission-line ratios, we divide the sample into high- and low-excitation galaxies (HEGs and LEGs). We observe different line morphologies, extended [O iii] emission, large [O iii]/Hα scatter across the galaxies, and a radio-line alignment. In general, HEGs show more prominent emission-line properties than LEGs: larger, more disturbed, more luminous, and more massive regions of ionized gas with slightly larger covering factors. We find evidence of correlations between line luminosities and (radio and X-ray) nuclear luminosities. All of these results point to a main common origin, the active nucleus, which ionizes the surrounding gas. However, the contribution of additional photoionization mechanisms (jet shocks and star formation) is needed to account for the different line properties of the two classes. A relationship between the accretion, photoionization, and feedback modes emerges from this study. For LEGs (hot-gas accretors), the synchrotron emission from the jet represents the main source of ionizing photons. The lack of cold gas and star formation in their hosts accounts for the moderate ionized-gas masses and sizes. For HEGs (cold-gas accretors), an ionizing continuum from a standard disk and shocks from the powerful jets are the main sources of photoionization, with a contribution from star formation. These components, combined with the large reservoir of cold/dust gas brought from a recent merger, account for the properties of their extended emission-line regions.

[O ii] as a proxy for star formation in AGN host galaxies: beware of extended emission line regions

The [OII] 3726+3728\AA\ emission line doublet is often used to estimate star formation rates within the host galaxies of active galactic nuclei (AGN), as it is known to be strongly excited by star formation, but is only weakly excited in the broad and narrow line regions of AGN. However, within AGN host galaxies, [OII] can also be excited in low-density gas located at appreciable distances from the nucleus, but still ionized by the AGN. These AGN extended emission line regions (EELRs) can contribute significant flux to integrated spectra, even in the presence of luminous AGN. Here, we identify EELRs by the presence of the [NeV] 3426\AA\ emission line, which, like [OII], is not strongly excited in the inner regions of AGN, but is a prominent emission line in the lower density EELRs. Critically, unlike [OII], [NeV] is not excited by star formation. Therefore, when strong [NeV] is present in an AGN spectrum, the flux from the EELR is not negligible, implying the [OII] flux is contaminated by emission from the EELR, and is not a good measure of star formation. After removing objects with EELRs identified by [NeV], the [OII] flux in the host galaxies of radio-loud AGN is found to be higher than that within radio-quiet AGN, which could either indicate higher star-formation rates, or the presence of moderate-velocity shocks. Being mindful of EELRs for upcoming large-area spectroscopic surveys, particularly those tied to radio continuum surveys, will be important for determining star formation rates in AGN host galaxies.

An Interacting Galaxy Pair at the Origin of a Light Echo

Abstract In a low-density region of the Shapley supercluster we identified an interacting galaxy pair at redshift z = 0.04865 in which the Seyfert 2 nucleus of the main galaxy (ShaSS 073) is exciting an extended emission line region (EELR, ∼170 kpc2) in the disk of the less massive companion (ShaSS 622). New integral-field spectroscopy and the multiband data set, spanning from far-ultraviolet to far-infrared and radio wavelengths, allowed us to obtain a detailed description of the ShaSS 622–073 system. The gas kinematics shows hints of interaction, although the overall velocity field shows a quite regular rotation in both galaxies, thus suggesting that we are observing their first encounter as confirmed by the estimated distance of 21 kpc between the two galaxy centers. The detected active galactic nucleus (AGN) outflow and the geometry of the EELR in ShaSS 622 support the presence of a hollow bicone structure. The status and sources of the ionization across the whole system have been analyzed through photoionization models and a Bayesian approach that prove a clear connection between the AGN and the EELR. The luminosity of the AGN ( erg s−1) is a factor of 20 lower than the power needed to excite the gas in the EELR (4.6 × 1045 erg s−1), indicating a dramatic fading of the AGN in the past 3 × 104 yr. ShaSS 073–622 provides all the ingredients listed in the recipe of a light echo where a highly-ionized region maintains memory of a preceding more energetic phase of a now-faded AGN. This is the first case of a light echo observed between two galaxies.

Extent and structure of intervening absorbers from absorption lines redshifted on quasar emission lines

We wish to study the extent and subparsec scale spatial structure of intervening quasar absorbers, mainly those involving neutral and molecular gas. We have selected quasar absorption systems with high spectral resolution and good S/N data, with some of their lines falling on quasar emission features. By investigating the consistency of absorption profiles seen for lines formed either against the quasar continuum source or on the much more extended emission line region (ELR), we can probe the extent and structure of the foreground absorber over the extent of the ELR (0.3-1 pc). The spatial covering analysis provides constraints on the transverse size of the absorber and thus is complementary to variability or photoionisation modelling studies. The methods we used to identify spatial covering or structure effects involve line profile fitting and curve of growth analysis.We have detected three absorbers with unambiguous non uniformity effects in neutral gas. For one extreme case, the FeI absorber at z_abs=0.45206 towards HE 0001-2340, we derive a coverage factor of the ELR of at most 0.10 and possibly very close to zero; this implies an absorber overall size no larger than 0.06 pc. For the z_abs=2.41837 CI absorber towards QSO J1439+1117, absorption is significantly stronger towards the ELR than towards the continuum source in several CI and CI* velocity components pointing to factors of about two spatial variations of their column densities and the presence of structures at the 100 au - 0.1 pc scale. The other systems with firm or possible effects can be described in terms of partial covering of the ELR, with coverage factors in the range 0.7 - 1. The overall results for cold, neutral absorbers imply a transverse extent of about five times or less the ELR size, which is consistent with other known constraints.

CHEERS Results from NGC 3393. II. Investigating the Extended Narrow-line Region Using Deep Chandra Observations and Hubble Space Telescope Narrow-line Imaging

Abstract The CHandra Extended Emission Line Region Survey (CHEERS) is an X-ray study of nearby active galactic nuclei (AGNs) designed to take full advantage of Chandra's unique angular resolution by spatially resolving feedback signatures and effects. In the second paper of a series on CHEERS target NGC 3393, we examine deep high-resolution Chandra images and compare them with Hubble Space Telescope narrow-line images of [O iii], [S ii], and Hα, as well as previously unpublished mid-ultraviolet (MUV) images. The X-rays provide unprecedented evidence that the S-shaped arms that envelope the nuclear radio outflows extend only ≲0.″2 (≲50 pc) across. The high-resolution multiwavelength data suggest that the extended narrow-line region is a complex multiphase structure in the circumnuclear interstellar medium (ISM). Its ionization structure is highly stratified with respect to outflow-driven bubbles in the bicone and varies dramatically on scales of ∼10 pc. Multiple findings show likely contributions from shocks to the feedback in regions where radio outflows from the AGN most directly influence the ISM. These findings include Hα evidence for gas compression and extended MUV emission and are in agreement with existing STIS kinematics. Extended filamentary structure in the X-rays and optical suggests the presence of an undetected plasma component, whose existence could be tested with deeper radio observations.

Detection of helicoidal motion in the optical jet of PKS 0521−365

Abstract The jet activity of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and its interaction with the interstellar medium, may play a pivotal role in the processes that regulate the growth and star formation of its host galaxy. Observational evidence that pinpoints the conditions of such interaction is paramount to unveil the physical processes involved. We report on the discovery of extended emission-line regions exhibiting an S-shaped morphology along the optical jet of the radio-loud AGN PKS 0521−365 (z = 0.055), by using long-slit spectroscopic observations obtained with FOcal Reducer/low dispersion Spectrograph 2 on the Very Large Telescope. The velocity pattern derived from the [O ii] λ3727 Å, H β λ4861 Å and [O iii] λλ4959, 5007 Å emission lines is well fitted by a sinusoidal function of the form: v(r) = αr1/2sin(βr1/2 + γ), suggesting helicoidal motions along the jet up to distances of 20 kpc. We estimate a lower limit for the mass of the outflowing ionized gas along the jet of ∼104 M⊙. Helical magnetic fields and jet precession have been proposed to explain helicoidal paths along the jet at pc scales; nevertheless, it is not clear yet whether these hypotheses may hold at kpc scales.

MAPPING SEYFERT AND LINER EXCITATION MODES IN THE INNER KPC OF NGC 3393

ABSTRACT We mapped the extended narrowline region (ENLR) of NGC 3393 on scales of ( kpc) from the nucleus using emission line images of Hα λ6563, [O iii] , and [S ii] , taken with the Hubble Space Telescope as part of the CHandra survey of Extended Emission line Regions in nearby Seyfert galaxies (CHEERS). By mapping these lines onto a spatially resolved Baldwin–Phillips–Terlevich diagram, we investigate the impact of feedback from a Compton-thick active galactic nucleus on its circumnuclear ISM. We find that the expected Seyfert-like emission within the ionization bicone ( 770 pc). We also find a new, figure-8-shaped low ionization emission line region (LINER) cocoon enveloping the bicone and defining a sharp ( pc) transition between higher and lower-ionization zones. These data illustrate the morphological dependence of ionization states of the ENLR relative to bicone and host gas geometries.