Radio-loud AGN feedback in elliptical galaxies

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The role of radio-loud active galactic nuclei (AGN) in continually re-heating the cooling gas in the haloes surrounding elliptical galaxies is investigated. The prevalence of radio-loud AGN activity amongst elliptical galaxies is found to scale strongly with the mass of the central black hole (as M-BH(1.6)). Combining this result with estimates of the mechanical energy output of these radio sources, the time-averaged energy output associated with recurrent radio source activity is derived: for elliptical galaxies of all masses, this is shown to balance the radiative energy losses from the hot gas surrounding the galaxy. Recurrent radio-loud AGN activity may therefore provide a self-regulating feedback mechanism capable of controlling the rate of growth of galaxies.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCOSMIC FRONTIERS
EditorsN Metcalfe, T Shanks
Place of PublicationSAN FRANCISCO
PublisherASTRONOMICAL SOC PACIFIC
Pages213-216
Number of pages4
ISBN (Print)978-1-58381-320-1
Publication statusPublished - 2007
EventConference on Cosmic Frontiers - Durham
Duration: 31 Jul 20064 Aug 2006

Conference

ConferenceConference on Cosmic Frontiers
CityDurham
Period31/07/064/08/06

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI
  • DIGITAL-SKY-SURVEY
  • COOLING FLOWS
  • HOST GALAXIES
  • LUMINOSITIES

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