Misalignments in NGC 1068

TL;DR

This paper uses high-resolution interferometric observations to reveal unexpected misalignments in the innermost structures of the AGN in NGC 1068, challenging existing models of the obscuring torus.

Contribution

It provides new high-resolution insights into the geometry of the inner torus of NGC 1068, revealing surprising misalignments with other nuclear disks.

Findings

Inner torus is misaligned with other nuclear disks

Line of sight to the central source is unobstructed

High angular resolution data constrains torus geometry

Abstract

NGC 1068 is a nearby Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) of type 2, meaning that its accretion disk is hidden behind a large amount of foreground extinction. Observations at several wavelengths have revealed various disk-like structures around the nucleus, all possibly part of the putative torus responsible for the obscuration of the AGN. The paper presents results based on GRAVITY/VLTI interferometric observations in the near-infrared, which provide very high angular resolution, and gives insights into the geometry of the innermost region of the torus. The 3D orientation of the structure is surprising in several aspects, as it is misaligned with other disks present around the nucleus, and leaves a clear line of sight toward the central source.