Abstract

We present highlights of a multi-band optical imaging study of the ENLRs in seven Seyfert galaxies. Flux-calibrated narrowband emission-line and continuum images obtained in subarcsecond seeing conditions with the 3.6m CFHT reveal a remarkable wealth of emission-line and optical continuum structures. We show an example from our data of an apparent mechanical interaction between radio plasma ejecta and the ENLR, and describe an extended near-UV continuum component, which appears to be scattered nuclear continuum light, that is seen in all of the five Seyfert 2s, but is conspicuously absent in the two extended-emission Seyfert 1s.

Introduction

Many Seyfert nuclei are surrounded by kpc-scale regions of highly ionized gas known as the “extended narrow-line region” (ENLR). The energetics, ionization state, and morphology of the ENLR have been one of our most powerful probes of the interaction between a Seyfert nucleus and its host galaxy environment. Traditionally, the ENLR in Seyferts has been mapped using CCD images taken through narrow interference filters isolating the bright emission lines of Hα+[N II] and [O III]λ5007. These lines bracket a wide range of ionization potential, and so provide a simple, qualitative diagnostic of the ionization state of the gas. Two-band imaging surveys have had a fair amount of success so far at revealing extended emission in Seyferts and other AGN [1,2]. Often, however, one wants more quantitative information such as a particular line ratio which is diagnostic of a nebular parameter.