ALMA [CI] observations toward the central region of a Seyfert galaxy NGC 613

TL;DR

This study uses high-resolution ALMA observations to analyze the distribution, ratios, and kinematics of atomic carbon and CO isotopes in the central region of NGC 613, revealing a possible AGN-driven molecular outflow.

Contribution

First high-resolution ALMA imaging of [CI] and CO isotopes in NGC 613's nucleus, revealing distinct gas phases and outflow dynamics influenced by the AGN.

Findings

[CI] is prominent in the CND and resembles CO distribution in the ring.

High [CI]/CO ratios are observed at the ring's edges, indicating different gas conditions.

Evidence of a bubbly molecular outflow driven by the AGN's radio jets.

Abstract

We report ALMA observations of [CI]($^3P_1-^3P_0$), C$^{13}$O, and CO$^{18}$ ($J=1-0$) toward the central region of a nearby Seyfert galaxy NGC 613. The very high resolutions of $0.26"\times0.23"(=22\times20$ pc) for [CI] and $0.42"\times0.35"(=36\times30$ pc) for C$^{13}$O, and CO$^{18}$ resolve the circum-nuclear disk (CND) and star-forming ring. The distribution of [CI] in the ring resembles that of the CO emission, although [CI] is prominent in the CND. This can be caused by the low intensities of the CO isotopes due to the low optical depths under the high temperature in the CND. We found that the intensity ratios of [CI] to C$^{12}$O(3-2) ($R_{\rm CI/CO}$) and to C$^{13}$O(1-0) ($R_{\rm CI/C^{13}O}$) are high at several positions around the edge of the ring. The spectral profiles of CO lines mostly correspond each other in the spots of the ring and high $R_{\rm CI/CO}$, but those of [CI] at spots of high $R_{\rm CI/CO}$ are different from CO. These results indicate that [CI] at the high $R_{\rm CI/CO}$ traces different gas from that traced by the CO lines. The [CI] kinematics along the minor axis of NGC 613 could be interpreted as a bubbly molecular outflow. The outflow rate of molecular gas is higher than star formation rate in the CND. The flow could be mainly boosted by the AGN through its radio jets.