The search for atomic and molecular TORUS gas in Seyfert 2 galaxies
Abstract
We propose broad-band line observations of five Seyfert type II galaxies with the aim of detecting very broad (>1000km/s) absorption associated with gas at radii <10pc from the AGN. This TORUS (Thick Obscuration Required by Unified Schemes) gas obscures the nucleus from certain directions and may ultimately fuel the AGN. Recent IR interferometric observations have imaged TORUS dust structures on these <10pc scales. While theory predicts TORUS gas in type II objects is mainly molecular or atomic, there are as yet no clear cases of radio/mm absorption lines associated with gas on this scale. One possible reason is that velocity widths of gas <10pc from the AGN are several thousand km/s. Using the broad band of the ATCA/CABB, we propose to observe several OH transitions in absorption as well as HI in the frequency range 1.3 to 10.0 GHz. Detection of HI and (excited) OH lines would help determine the physical properties of the gas, e.g. the global TORUS kinematics, temperature and density and can be followed up by ALMA observations of other molecular lines.
- Publication:
-
ATNF Proposal
- Pub Date:
- April 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011atnf.prop.4117S
- Keywords:
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- active galactic nuclei: quasars;
- ATCA