3D spectroscopy of merger Seyfert galaxy Mrk 334: nuclear starburst, superwind and the circumnuclear cavern

TL;DR

This study uses 3D spectroscopy to analyze the merging Seyfert galaxy Mrk 334, revealing a nuclear starburst, superwind, and a cavern in the gaseous disk caused by the merger, highlighting complex nuclear activity and gas dynamics.

Contribution

First detailed 3D spectroscopic analysis of Mrk 334 showing merger-induced nuclear starburst, superwind, and a gaseous cavern, advancing understanding of galaxy merger processes.

Findings

Identification of a nuclear starburst exceeding AGN ionization.

Detection of a galactic superwind with ~200 km/s velocity.

Discovery of a low-density cavern in the galaxy disk.

Abstract

We are presenting new results on kinematics and structure of the Mrk 334 Seyfert galaxy. Panoramic (3D) spectroscopy is performed at the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences using the MPFS integral-field spectrograph and scanning Fabry--Perot interferometer. The deep images have revealed that Mrk 334 is observed during the final stage of its merging with a massive companion. A possible mass ratio ranges from 1/5 to 1/3. The merger has triggered mass redistribution in the disk resulting in an intensification of nuclear activity and in a burst of star formation in the inner region of the galaxy. The circumnuclear starburst is so intense that its contribution to the gas ionization exceeds that contribution of the AGN. We interpret the nuclear gas outflow with velocities of ~200 km/s as a galactic superwind that accompanies the violent star formation. This suggestion is consistent with the asymmetric X-ray brightness distribution in Mrk 334. The trajectory of the fragments of the disrupted satellite in the vicinity of the main galaxy nucleus can be traced. In the galaxy disk a cavern is found that is filled with a low-density ionized gas. We consider this region to be the place where the remnants of the companion have recently penetrated through the gaseous disk of the main galaxy.