Observational analysis reveals a log-linear relation between NLR sizes and luminosity in AGNs, suggesting new insights into galaxy evolution.
An active galactic nucleus (AGN) plays a crucial role in the evolution of its host galaxy, but the detailed mechanism remains ambiguous. The radiation from the AGN heats and ionizes the surrounding gas in the host galaxy, creating spatially ex- tended narrow line region (NLR). Theoretically, the size of the NLR depends on the ionizing power of the AGN, making it a powerful tool to quantify the influence of the AGN on the host galaxy. To verify the relation between NLR and the central AGN, we collect a large sample of AGNs from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA), using the BPT diagnostic diagram of [O III]λ5007/Hβ and [N II]λ6584/Hα. We have measured the sizes of NLRs with the surface brightness threshold of 10−16erg s−1cm−2arcsec−2, and find a log-linear relation between their sizes and [O III]λ 5007 luminosity with a slope of 0.470 ± 0.025. This result is consistent with the predictions of the standard photoionization model.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Xu et al. (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: