Power of simultaneous X-ray and ultraviolet high-resolution spectroscopy for probing outflows in active galactic nuclei
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Black hole accretion in active galactic nuclei (AGN) is coupled to the evolution of their host galaxies. Outflowing winds in AGN can play an important role in this evolution through the resulting feedback mechanism. Multi-wavelength spectroscopy is key for probing the intertwined physics of inflows and outflows in AGN. However, with the current spectrometers, crucial properties of the ionized outflows are poorly understood, such as their coupling to accretion rate, their launching mechanism, and their kinetic power. We discuss the need for simultaneous X-ray and UV high-resolution spectroscopy for tackling outstanding questions on these outflows in AGN. The instrumental requirements for achieving the scientific objectives are addressed. We demonstrate that these requirements would be facilitated by the proposed Arcus Probe mission concept. The multi-wavelength spectroscopy and timing by Arcus would enable us to establish the kinematics and ionization structure of the entire ionized outflow, extending from the vicinity of the accretion disk to the outskirts of the host galaxy. Arcus would provide key diagnostics on the origin, driving mechanism, and energetics of the outflows, which are useful benchmarks for testing various theoretical models of outflows and understanding their impact in AGN.
Institutions: Space Telescope Science Institute, Smithsonian Institution, Center for Astrophysics Harvard & Smithsonian, University of Michigan, Space Research Organisation Netherlands, University of Amsterdam, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Saint Mary's University, Leiden University, Leiden Observatory, University of Maryland, Baltimore, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Washington University in St. Louis
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4405852206