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 language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | COSMIC FRONTIERS |
Editors | N Metcalfe, T Shanks |
Place of Publication | SAN FRANCISCO |
Publisher | ASTRONOMICAL SOC PACIFIC |
Pages | 213-216 |
Number of pages | 4 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-1-58381-320-1 |
Publication status | Published - 2007 |
Event | Conference on Cosmic Frontiers - Durham Duration: 31 Jul 2006 → 4 Aug 2006 |
Conference
Conference | Conference on Cosmic Frontiers |
---|---|
City | Durham |
Period | 31/07/06 → 4/08/06 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI
- DIGITAL-SKY-SURVEY
- COOLING FLOWS
- HOST GALAXIES
- LUMINOSITIES