The PAU Survey: Active galactic nucleus galaxies in galaxy pairs
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Aims . Leveraging the high-precision photometric redshifts of the Physics of the Accelerating Universe Survey (PAUS), we aim to investigate the connection between active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and galaxy pairs up to redshifts of ∼1.0. Methods . We identified 16 824 galaxy pairs with projected separations of r p < 100 kpc and radial-velocity differences of ∆ V < 3500 km s −1 . AGNs were selected by cross-matching PAUS galaxies with multi-wavelength AGN catalogues, yielding 270 AGNs in pairs out of a parent sample of 8880 AGNs in PAUS. We constructed control samples of isolated AGNs; non-AGNs in pairs; and isolated non-AGNs matched in redshift, absolute magnitude, and environment. Results . Active galactic nuclei in pairs show progressively redder rest-frame colours with increasing redshift, particularly at redshifts of z ≳ 0.5, whereas isolated AGNs and non-AGNs in pairs show no significant colour evolution and remain at M g − M r ∼ 0.65. Pairs hosting AGNs are also preferentially morphologically disturbed interacting systems found at smaller projected separations and velocity offsets, consistent with more dynamically advanced interactions. Conclusions . These results provide evidence of a redshift-dependent link between galaxy interactions and AGN activity, suggesting that interactions play an increasingly important role in triggering nuclear activity at intermediate redshifts. This study highlights the unique capability of PAUS to probe AGN–galaxy interaction connections beyond the local Universe with unprecedented statistical power.
Source: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Authors: F. Duplancic, M. Siudek, D. Navarro-Gironés, E. J. Gonzalez, F. Rodriguez, S. Alonso, I. V. Daza-Perilla, D. G. Lambas, E. Gaztañaga, A. L. O’Mill, M. Eriksen, J. Carretero, R. Casas, F. J. Castander, J. García-Bellido, H. Hildebrandt, M. Mezcua, R. Miquel, C. Padilla, P. Renard, E. Sánchez, S. Serrano, I. Sevilla-Noarbe, P. Tallada-Crespí
Institutions: National University of San Juan, Institute of Space Sciences, Universidad de La Laguna, Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, Leiden University, Institut d'Estudis Espacials de Catalunya, Leiden Observatory, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Institute for High Energy Physics, Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Goddard Space Flight Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, University of Portsmouth, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Port d'Informació Científica, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Ruhr University Bochum, Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Tsinghua University, Bodø Science Park (Norway)
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,865
OpenAlex ID: W7204244607
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