Name: Alan Stockton

Institution: Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii

e-mail: stockton(no-spam)ifa.hawaii.edu

Partner Country: Univ. Hawaii

Science Meeting: Yes

User Meeting: Yes

NGO Staff Meeting: No

Presentation: Yes

Format: Oral

Title: Gemini N GMOS IFU Observations of Extended Emission around Quasars

Abstract:

We have been using GMOS in the IFU mode on Gemini N to analyze the distribution, ionization state, and velocity field of extended emission around low-redshift quasars. From the velocity field and mass of the ionized gas, we are able to estimate the input of kinetic energy and momentum to the gas, which can constrain the possible sources of the superwind that drives the gas motions. In the case of 3C48, we show that the high-velocity gas in the central 1"-radius region (believed to be associated with the steep-spectrum radio jet from previous work) is overwhelmingly concentrated in the inner region where the jet is smooth and well collimated, rather than where it is disrupted. This fact has important consequences for understanding how radio jets interact with the surrounding medium.

Co-author: Hai Fu- Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii.