Active galactic nuclei among polar-ring galaxies

TL;DR

This study analyzes SDSS data to determine the prevalence of active galactic nuclei in polar-ring galaxies, finding an excess of Seyfert and LINER types likely linked to gas accretion from polar structures.

Contribution

It provides the first statistical evidence of increased nuclear activity in polar-ring galaxies using SDSS data.

Findings

Higher fraction of Seyfert galaxies in polar-ring galaxies

Increased LINER occurrence among polar-ring galaxies

Nuclear activity possibly driven by gas accretion from polar structures

Abstract

Based on SDSS data, we consider the fraction of active galactic nuclei among polar-ring galaxies. We have found evidence for an excess of Seyfert galaxies and LINERs among polar-ring galaxies compared to ordinary objects. The observed nuclear activity of polar-ring galaxies may be associated with the accretion of gas from the region of the polar structures onto the central galaxies.