Integral Field Spectroscopy of Massive, Kiloparsec-Scale Outflows in the Infrared-Luminous QSO Mrk 231

TL;DR

This study uses integral field spectroscopy to unambiguously detect and analyze a large-scale, kiloparsec outflow in the QSO Mrk 231, revealing complex interactions between nuclear activity, radio jets, and star formation.

Contribution

First unambiguous detection of a wide-angle, kpc-scale outflow in a powerful QSO using integral field spectroscopy, highlighting multi-phase outflow components and feedback mechanisms.

Findings

Outflow velocities reach up to 1400 km/s.

Outflow extends 2-3 kpc from the nucleus.

Mass and energy flux support negative feedback models.

Abstract

The quasi-stellar object (QSO)/merger Mrk 231 is arguably the nearest and best laboratory for studying QSO feedback. It hosts several outflows, including broad-line winds, radio jets, and a poorly-understood kpc scale outflow. In this Letter, we present integral field spectroscopy from the Gemini telescope that represents the first unambiguous detection of a wide-angle, kpc scale outflow from a powerful QSO. Using neutral gas absorption, we show that the nuclear region hosts an outflow with blueshifted velocities reaching 1100 km/s, extending 2-3 kpc from the nucleus in all directions in the plane of the sky. A radio jet impacts the outflow north of the nucleus, accelerating it to even higher velocities (up to 1400 km/s). Finally, 3.5 kpc south of the nucleus, star formation is simultaneously powering an outflow that reaches more modest velocities of only 570 km/s. Blueshifted ionized gas is also detected around the nucleus at lower velocities and smaller scales. The mass and energy flux from the outflow are >~2.5 times the star formation rate and >~0.7% of the active galactic nucleus luminosity, consistent with negative feedback models of QSOs.