Hidden No More: Spotlight on tidal disruption events in active galactic nuclei

TL;DR

This paper investigates tidal disruption events occurring in active galactic nuclei, focusing on a specific candidate and exploring related flaring phenomena to understand their connection to TDEs in AGNs.

Contribution

It presents a detailed analysis of a promising TDE candidate in an AGN and explores Bowen fluorescence flares as potential TDE-related phenomena, expanding understanding of TDEs in active galaxies.

Findings

Identification of AT2019aalc as a promising TDE in an AGN

Proposal of Bowen fluorescence flares as TDE-related phenomena

Comparison of observed flares with TDE-in-AGN simulations

Abstract

Tidal disruption events (TDEs) are typically discovered in previously quiescent galaxies. However, earlier studies have revealed a handful of TDEs occurring in pre-existing active galactic nuclei (AGNs). We discuss AT2019aalc, a promising TDE candidate in an AGN, and compare it to similar sources. We also explore Bowen fluorescence flares, a newly identified class of flaring supermassive black holes, as potential members of the TDE in AGN transient class. We aim to connect the observed properties of these flares with the expectations of TDE-in-AGN simulations.