The Galactic center (GC) molecular cloud G0.13–0.13 exhibits a shell morphology in CS J = (1 − 0), with ∼ 105 solar masses and expansion speed ∼ 20 km s−1, yielding a total kinetic energy ∼ 1051 erg. Its morphology is also suggestive of an interaction with the nonthermal filaments of the GC arc. 74 MHz emission indicates the presence of a substantial population of low energy electrons permeating the cloud, which could either be produced by the interaction with the arc or accelerated in the shock waves responsible for the cloud's expansion. These scenarios are explored using time dependent diffusion models.

With these diffusion models, we determine the penetration of low-energy cosmic-ray electrons accelerated into G0.13–0.13 and calculate the spatial distribution of the cosmic-ray ionization and heating rates. We show that the 6.4 keV Fe Kα line emission associated with the electron population provides an observational diagnostic to distinguish these two acceleration scenarios.

We discuss the implications of our results for understanding the distinct character of clouds in the central molecular zone compared to clouds in the Galactic disk, and how GC nonthermal filaments interact with molecular clouds.

Deep imaging of the Sgr A complex at 6 cm wavelength with the B and C configurations of the Karl G. Jansky VLA† has revealed a new population of faint radio filaments. Like their brighter counterparts that have been observed throughout the Galactic center on larger scales, these filaments can extend up to ∼10 parsecs, and in most cases are strikingly uniform in brightness and curvature. Comparison with a survey of Paschen-α emission reveals that some of the filaments are emitting thermally, but most of these structures are nonthermal: local magnetic flux tubes illuminated by synchrotron emission. The new image reveals considerable filamentary substructure in previously known nonthermal filaments (NTFs). Unlike NTFs previously observed on larger scales, which tend to show a predominant orientation roughly perpendicular to the Galactic plane, the NTFs in the vicinity of the Sgr A complex are relatively randomly oriented. Two well-known radio sources to the south of Sgr A – sources E and F – consist of numerous quasi-parallel filaments that now appear to be particularly bright portions of a much larger, strongly curved, continuous, nonthermal radio structure that we refer to as the “Southern Curl”. It is therefore unlikely that sources E and F are Hii regions or pulsar wind nebulae. The Southern Curl has a smaller counterpart on the opposite side of the Galactic center – the Northern Curl – that, except for its smaller scale and smaller distance from the center, is roughly point-reflection symmetric with respect to the Southern Curl. The curl features indicate that some field lines are strongly distorted, presumably by mass flows. The point symmetry about the center then suggests that the flows originate near the center and are somewhat collimated.

Multiwavelength identification of AGN is crucial not only to obtain a more complete census, but also to learn about the physical state of the nuclear activity (obscuration, efficiency, etc.). A panchromatic strategy plays an especially important role when the host galaxies are star-forming. Selecting far-Infrared galaxies at 0.3<z<1, and using AGN tracers in the X-ray, optical spectra, mid-infrared, and radio regimes, we found a twice higher AGN fraction than previous studies, thanks to the combined AGN identification methods and in particular the recent Mass-Excitation (MEx) diagnostic diagram. We furthermore find an intriguing relation between AGN X-ray absorption and the specific star formation rate (sSFR) of the host galaxies, indicating a physical link between X-ray absorption and either the gas fraction or the gas geometry in the hosts. These findings have implications for our current understanding of both the AGN unification model and the nature of the black hole-galaxy connection.

The four-year X-ray all-sky survey (eRASS) of the eROSITA telescope aboard the Spektrum-Roentgen-Gamma satellite will detect ~ 3 million active galactic nuclei (AGN) with a median redshift of z≈1. We show that this unprecedented AGN sample, complemented with redshift information, will supply us with outstanding opportunities for large-scale structure research. For the first time with a sample of X-ray selected AGN, it will become possible to perform detailed redshift- and luminosity-resolved studies of the linear bias factor, and to convincingly detected baryonic acoustic oscillations (BAOs). To exploit the full potential of the eRASS AGN sample, photometric and spectroscopic surveys of large areas and a sufficient depth will be needed.

The discovery of γ-ray emission from 5 radio-loud narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies revealed the presence of a possible emerging third class of AGNs with relativistic jets, in addition to blazars and radio galaxies. The existence of relativistic jets also in this subclass of Seyfert galaxies opened an unexplored research space for our knowledge of the radio-loud AGNs. Here, we discuss the radio-to-γ-rays properties of the γ-ray emitting narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies, also in comparison with the blazar scenario.

In this work, we present an analysis of SNe number ratios in spiral galaxies with different morphological subtypes, luminosities, sSFR, and metallicities, to provide important information about the physical properties of the progenitor populations.

We report the results from a systematic search for molecular (OH 119 μm) outflows with Herschel-PACS† in a sample of 43 nearby (z < 0.3) galaxy mergers, mostly ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) and QSOs. We find that the character of the OH feature (strength of the absorption relative to the emission) correlates with that of the 9.7-μm silicate feature, a measure of obscuration in ULIRGs. Unambiguous evidence for molecular outflows, based on the detection of OH absorption profiles with median velocities more blueshifted than −50 km s−1, is seen in 26 (70%) of the 37 OH-detected targets, suggesting a wide-angle (~ 145°) outflow geometry. Conversely, unambiguous evidence for molecular inflows, based on the detection of OH absorption profiles with median velocities more redshifted than +50 km s−1, is seen in only 4 objects, suggesting a planar or filamentary geometry for the inflowing gas. Terminal outflow velocities of ~ −1000 km s−1 are measured in several objects, but median outflow velocities are typically ~ −200 km s−1. While the outflow velocities show no statistically significant dependence on the star formation rate, they are distinctly more blueshifted among systems with large AGN fractions and luminosities [log (LAGN/L⊙) ≥ 11.8 ± 0.3]. The quasars in these systems play a dominant role in driving the molecular outflows. In contrast, the most AGN dominated systems, where OH is seen purely in emission, show relatively modest OH line widths, despite their large AGN luminosities, perhaps indicating that molecular outflows subside once the quasar has cleared a path through the obscuring material.

Supermassive black holes (106–109 M⊙) are now known to be present at the centers of most galaxies, but they are also found to have a close correlation with the host galaxy they live in. The masses of the supermasssive black holes (SMBHs) have been rigorously calculated using stellar dynamics (e.g., Gillessen et al. 2009) for the Milky Way, gas dynamics (e.g., Davis et al. 2013) for NGC 4526, water maser emissions, reverberation mapping, etc. In comparison, the mass of the SMBH seems to be tightly correlated with the galactic bulge it resides in. The tight correlation between the mass of the BH and the velocity dispersion of the stars in the bulge, known as the M-σ relation, (Ferrarese & Merritt, 2000; Tremaine et al. 2002), and the 2:1000 mass of BH - mass of bulge ratio suggests some sort of co-evolution process. A feedback driven coevolution process would suggest that the BH directly controls galaxy properties via energy and momentum feedback (Kormendy & Ho, 2013). However, since correlation does not necessarily imply causation, the evolution may be a non-causal process that occurs in tandem, where the BH and bulge grow independently. In such a process, star formation in the bulge and growth of SMBH occur in separate periods and are self regulating (Cen, 2012).

New sample of X-ray galaxies selected from 2XMMi catalogue in SDSS region is analysed in this work. Spatial distribution and X-ray AGN spectral properties are discussed. A new method for extragalactic filament detection and description is proposed.

The Galactic central black hole and the central cluster of young stars are surrounded by a clumpy gas disk (the circumnuclear disk, CND) that rotates about them at a distance of ≃ 1 pc. The gas in this warm, turbulent, magnetized disk is ultimately likely to migrate into the central cavity and fuel future star formation and black hole accretion. We have observed two fields of approximately 20″ × 20″ in the CND at NIR wavelengths with the OSIRIS integral-field spectrometer at Keck Observatory. These two fields are located at the interface between the neutral and the ionized regions. Our data cover two H2 lines as well as the Brγ line of the Hi spectrum. The signal-to-noise ratio per spatial pixel of each line varies considerably across the field and becomes quite low in some regions. In order to avoid degrading the spatial resolution, we have developed a novel three-dimensional method to analyze the data in terms of regularized parameter maps. The method proves very efficient in retrieving all the information contained in the spectral line emission while not degrading the spatial resolution. We present this new method to analyze 3D spectroscopic data and describe our preliminary results on the structure of the ionized-neutral interface.

Completing the census of AGN in the Universe is the key to understanding the cosmic evolution of supermassive black holes (SMBH) and galaxies, and to resolving the spectrum of the X-ray background (XRB). However, a large population of AGN, especially the heavily obscured, Compton-thick AGN, are still missing from even the deepest X-ray surveys. The infrared spectra energy distribution (SED) of distant star-forming galaxies can reveal the presence of bright AGN activity. Using some of the deepest infrared, X-ray and radio data available in the GOODS fields, we identify a population of infrared bright quasars at redshift z ~ 2, which are often missed in the X-ray band. Amongst these sources the number of obscured and heavily-obscured quasars is much higher than those previously found in several X-ray and optical selected samples. A unique view on these heavily-obscured quasars is now given at high energies by NuSTAR. I will present the first NuSTAR detection of a heavily obscured quasar at z 2. This source is a potential archetype of the heavily-obscured high-z AGN in which most of the black hole growth is happening, that can explain the mysterious missing fraction of the XRB.

The physics of active black holes (BHs) is governed by three key parameters: their mass, spin, and accretion rate. Understanding the cosmic evolution of these parameters is crucial for tracing back the growth of the BHs to the epoch of their formation. We have selected a unique AGN sample, in a narrow redshift range around z = 1.55, based on both BH mass and Eddingtion ratio, and we observed them with the X-Shooter instrument on the VLT, covering the rest wavelength range ~1200 to 9800 Å. This wide wavelength range allows us to study, simultaneously, more emission lines (i.e., CIV 1550 Å through H-alpha), and a larger portion of the global AGN SED, than any previous studies. We currently have a sample of 30 quasars already observed and spanning BH masses from ~108 to 109 Msolar and Eddington ratio from ~0.03 to 0.7. We focus here on our first science goal, comparing the observed AGN SED to thin accretion disk models in order to identify the origin of the SED. We also discuss the unique capability of this sample to identify any emission-line profile dependencies on BH mass and the Eddington ratio, and to compare mass determination methods based on four different emission-line profiles (Hα, Hβ, MgII 2800 Å, and CIV 1550 Å).

Methanol masers can be used to constrain densities and estimate kinematical distances to supernova remnants (SNRs), important parameters in cosmic ray acceleration models. With the goal of testing those models both for SNRs inside and outside the Galactic center (GC) region, we have used the Very Large Array to search for 36 GHz and 44 GHz methanol lines in Galactic SNRs. We report on the overall results of the maser search, and in particular the results of the GC SNR G1.4–0.1 in which more than 40 masers were found. They may be due to interactions between the SNR and at least two separate molecular clouds. Methanol masers were also detected in W28 and in Sgr A East.

The space element of the ground-space very long baseline (VLB) interferometer RadioAstron is a 10-meter radio telescope Spektr-R which was successfully launched in 2011. It covers four frequency bands from 0.3 to 25 GHz and provides baselines up to 350,000 km. This allows to study space objects with a resolution as high as about 10 microarcseconds. Fringes are found at all four bands of 92, 18, 6, and 1.3 cm. Science observations are ongoing. Early results of the RadioAstron AGN survey at extreme angular resolutions will be presented in the talk. In particular, AGN core emission is successfully detected at interferometer baselines up to 7.6 GLambda (or fringe spacing 27 microarcseconds) which is the current VLBI record. High radio brightness of AGN cores is found significantly above the known inverse-Compton limit. Implications to AGN jet emission models will be discussed. First results of RadioAstron space VLBI imaging of AGN jets will be also presented.

We present the analysis of flux variations of Sgr A* at millimeter wavelengths based on the long-term monitoring project spanning over a decade using the Nobeyama Millimeter Array. We investigate basic characteristics of the flux variability using some standard parameterizations of the data. Such basic properties of the flux variations in the mm-regime can provide valuable information not only for its underlying mechanisms in general but also for understanding observed radio/mm flux measurements during an accretion event.

Over the last decade, quasar sample sizes have increased from several thousand to several hundred thousand, thanks mostly to SDSS imaging and spectroscopic surveys. LSST, the next-generation optical imaging survey, will provide hundreds of detections per object for a sample of more than ten million quasars with redshifts of up to about seven. We briefly review optical quasar selection techniques, with emphasis on methods based on colors, variability properties and astrometric behavior.

Supermassive black holes (BHs) live at the heart of essentially all massive galaxies with bulges, power AGN, and are thought to be important agents in the evolution of their hosts. Observations of high-redshift quasars demonstrate that supermassive BHs must start out with masses considerably in excess of normal stellar-mass BHs. However, we do not know how the initial “seed” BHs formed in the early Universe, how massive they were originally, or what types of galaxies they formed in. While direct observations of distant seed BHs and their hosts in the infant Universe are unobtainable with current capabilities, models of BH growth in a cosmological context indicate that present-day dwarf galaxies can place valuable constraints on seed masses and distinguish between various seed formation mechanisms at early times. Using optical spectroscopy from the SDSS, we have systematically assembled the largest sample of dwarf galaxies hosting AGN to date. These dwarf galaxies have stellar masses comparable to the Magellanic Clouds and contain some of the least-massive supermassive BHs known. I will present results from this study and discuss our ongoing efforts to find additional examples of AGN in dwarfs and help constrain theories for the formation of the first seed BHs at high redshift.

Observations of Mrk 171, aimed at conduction of panoramic spectroscopy, were undertaken with the Byurakan 2.6-m telescope using spectrograph “VAGR”. Within the two components of the galaxy, Mrk171W and Mrk171E, there were differentiated eight condensations of starforming activiity, i.e. HII-regions, and no sign of AGN activity was revealed inspite of existing suggestions.

We present multiwavelength study of a sample of radio loud early-type galaxies chosen from the B2 sample. We performed surface photometry in BVR broad band filters and Hα narrow band filter on CCD images of sample galaxies using IGO 2m telescope, Pune (INDIA), to get radial profiles of various photometric and geometrical parameters that describe elliptical isophotes fitted to the 2D light distribution of the galaxies. The analysis of radial profiles of quantities such as the (local) surface brightness, the ellipticity, and the deviations from elliptical isophotes parametrized by the Fourier coefficients are main focus of our study. We generated color maps, residual maps, and dust extinction maps, Hα emission maps of the galaxies to study the morphology of the dust and ionized gas content present in the galaxies. We carried out detailed analysis of the properties of the dust present in our sample galaxies. Additionaly, we investigated properties of the dust in the central ~10 arcsec region of our sample galaxies using optical images available from the HST (WFPC2) data archive. We estimated mass and temperature of the dust, molecular gas mass, in the sample galaxies using FIR fluxes of the galaxies obtained from IRAS.

We used spectroscopic data available from the SDSS (DR7) to get an estimate of the mass of the central super massive black-hole for B2 1257+28 (NGC 4874). We plotted rotation curve for coma cluster (Abell 1656), which indicates the presence of dark matter halo around the galaxy B2 1257+28.

We explore the relationships between the 3.3 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) feature and active galactic nucleus (AGN) properties of a sample of 54 hard X-ray selected bright AGNs, including both Seyfert 1 and Seyfert 2 type objects, using the InfraRed Camera (IRC) on board the infrared astronomical satellite AKARI. The sample is selected from the 9-month Swift/BAT survey in the 14-195 keV band and all of them have measured X-ray spectra at E ≲ 10 keV. These X-ray spectra provide measurements of the neutral hydrogen column density (NH) towards the AGNs. We use the 3.3 μm PAH luminosity (L3.3μm) as a proxy for star formation activity and hard X-ray luminosity (L14-195keV) as an indicator of the AGN activity. We searched for possible difference of star-formation activity between type 1 (un-absorbed) and type 2 (absorbed) AGNs. Our regression analysis of log L14-195keV versus log L3.3μm shows a positive correlation and the slope seems steeper for type 1/unobscured AGNs than that of type 2/obscured AGNs. The same trend has been found for the log (L14-195keV/MBH) versus log (L3.3μm/MBH) correlation. Our analysis show that the circum-nuclear star-formation is more enhanced in type 2/absorbed AGNs than type 1/un-absorbed AGNs for low X-ray luminosity/low Eddington ratio AGNs.