Spatially Resolved Ionized Outflows Extending to $\sim$2 kpc in Seyfert 1 Galaxy NGC 7469 Revealed by VLT/MUSE

TL;DR

This study uses VLT/MUSE and Chandra data to reveal ionized outflows extending up to 2 kpc in NGC 7469, highlighting the complex interplay of AGN and starburst feedback in galaxy evolution.

Contribution

First spatially resolved detection of a 2 kpc-scale AGN-driven outflow in NGC 7469, combining optical and X-ray data to analyze feedback mechanisms.

Findings

AGN-driven outflow extends to ~2 kpc with a face-on ionization cone

Starburst wind confirmed around the circumnuclear ring

Kinetic coupling efficiency of the outflow is ~0.1%, below effective feedback threshold

Abstract

The Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 7469 possesses a prominent nuclear starburst ring and a luminous active galactic nucleus (AGN). Evidence of an outflow in the innermost nuclear region has been found in previous works. We detect the ionized gas outflow on a larger scale in the galaxy using the archival VLT/MUSE and {\em Chandra} observations. The optical emission lines are modeled using two Gaussian components, and a non-parametric approach is applied to measure the kinematics of [O III] and $\rm H\alpha$ emitting gas. Line ratio diagnostics and spatially resolved maps are derived to examine the origin of the outflow. The kpc-scale kinematics of [O III] is dominated by a blueshifted component whereas velocity map of $\rm H\alpha$ shows a rotational disk with complex non-rotational substructure. The starburst wind around the circumnuclear ring is confirmed, and we find evidence of an AGN-driven outflow extending to a radial distance of $\rm \sim2$ kpc from the nucleus, with a morphology consistent with a nearly face-on ionization cone. The previously reported circumnuclear outflow resembles part of the bright base. We derive mass and energy outflow rates for both the starburst wind and the AGN-driven outflow. The estimated kinetic coupling efficiency of the kpc-scale AGN outflow is $\dot{E}_{\rm out}/L_{\rm bol}\sim 0.1\%$, lower than the threshold predicted by the ``two-stage'' theoretical model for effective feedback. Our results reinforce the importance of spatially resolved study to disentangle feedback where AGN and starburst coexist, which may be common during the cosmic noon of black hole and galaxy growth.