Search

We combine two approaches to isolate the AGN luminosity at near-IR wavelengths and relate the near-IR pure AGN luminosity to other tracers of the AGN. Using integral-field spectroscopic data of an archival sample of 51 local AGNs, we estimate the fraction of non-stellar light by comparing the nuclear equivalent width of the stellar 2.3 µm CO absorption feature with the intrinsic value for each galaxy. We compare this fraction to that derived from a spectral decomposition of the integrated light in the central arcsecond and find them to be consistent with each other. Using our estimates of the near-IR AGN light, we find a strong correlation with presumably isotropic AGN tracers. We show that a significant offset exists between type 1 and type 2 sources in the sense that type 1 sources are 7 (10) times brighter in the near-IR at log LAGNMIR = 42.5 (log LAGNX = 42.5). These offsets only become clear when treating infrared type 1 sources as type 1 AGNs. All AGNs have very red near- to mid-IR dust colors. This, as well as the range of observed near-IR temperatures, can be explained with a simple model with only two free parameters: the obscuration to the hot dust and the ratio between the warm and hot dust areas. We find obscurations of AVhot = 5...15 mag for infrared type 1 sources and AVhot = 15...35 mag for type 2 sources. The ratio of hot dust to warm dust areas of about 1000 is nicely consistent with the ratio of radii of the respective regions as found by infrared interferometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared high-resolution imaging and interferometry show that the dust distribution is frequently elongated along the polar direction of an AGN. In addition, interferometric mm line observations have revealed a bipolar outflow in a direction nearly perpendicular to the nuclear disk. To explain these findings, we developed a model scenario for the inner ~30 pc of an AGN. The structure of the gas within this region is entirely determined by the gas inflow from larger scales. We assumed a rotating thick gas disk between about one and ten parsec. External gas accretion adds mass and injects energy via gas compression into this gas disk and drives turbulence. We extended the description of a massive turbulent thick gas disk developed in a recent paper by adding a magnetocentrifugal wind. Our disks are assumed to be strongly magnetized via equipartition between the turbulent gas pressure and the energy density of the magnetic field. In a second step, we built 3D density cubes based on the analytical model, illuminated them with a central source, and made radiative transfer calculations. In a third step, we calculated mid-infrared (MIR) visibility amplitudes and compared them to available interferometric observations. We show that magnetocentrifugal winds starting from a thin and thick gas disk are viable in active galaxy centers. The magnetic field associated with this thick gas disk plays a major role in driving a magnetocentrifugal wind at a distance of ~1 pc from the central black hole. Once the wind is launched, it is responsible for the transport of angular momentum and the gas disk can become thin. A magnetocentrifugal wind is also expected above the thin magnetized gas disk. The structure and outflow rate of this wind is determined by the properties of the thick gas disk. The outflow scenario can account for the elongated dust structures, outer edges of the thin maser disks, and molecular outflows observed in local AGN. The models reproduce the observed terminal wind velocities, the scatter of the MIR – intrinsic X-ray correlation, and point source fractions. An application of the model to the Circinus galaxy and NGC 1068 shows that the infrared spectral energy distribution, available MIR interferometric observations, and optical polarization can be reproduced in a satisfactory way, provided that (i) a puff-up at the inner edge of the thin disk is present and (ii) a local screen with an optical depth of τV ~ 20 in form of a local gas filament and/or a warp of the thick disk hide a significant fraction of both nuclei. Our thick disk, wind, thin disk model is thus a promising scenario for local Seyfert galaxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the hot molecular and warm ionized gas kinematics for 33 nearby (0.001 ≲ z ≲ 0.056) X-ray selected active galaxies using the H |$_2\, 2.1218\, \mu$| m and Br γ emission lines observed in the K band with the Gemini near-infrared integral field spectrograph. The observations cover the inner 0.04–2 kpc of each active galactic nucleus at spatial resolutions of 4–250 pc with a velocity resolution of σinst ≈ 20  |${\rm km\, s^{-1}}$|⁠. We find that 31 objects (94 per cent) present a kinematically disturbed region (KDR) seen in ionized gas, while such regions are observed in hot molecular gas for 25 galaxies (76 per cent). We interpret the KDR as being due to outflows with masses of 102–107 and 100–104 M⊙ for the ionized and hot molecular gas, respectively. The ranges of mass-outflow rates (⁠|$\dot{M}_{\rm out}$|⁠) and kinetic power (⁠|$\dot{E}_{\rm K}$|⁠) of the outflows are 10−3–101 M⊙ yr−1 and ∼1037–1043 erg s−1 for the ionized gas outflows, and 10−5–10−2 M⊙ yr−1 and 1035–1039 erg s−1 for the hot molecular gas outflows. The median coupling efficiency in our sample is |$\dot{E}_{\mathrm{K}}/L_{\rm bol}\approx 1.8\times 10^{-3}$| and the estimated momentum fluxes of the outflows suggest they are produced by radiation-pressure in low-density environment, with possible contribution from shocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the dense molecular gas in central regions of nearby Seyfert galaxies, and report new arcsec resolution observations of HCN (1-0) and HCO+ (1-0) for three objects. In NGC 3079, the lines show complex profiles as a result of self-absorption and saturated continuum absorption. H13CN reveals the continuum absorption profile, with a peak close to the galaxy's systemic velocity that traces disc rotation, and a second feature with a blue wing extending to -350 km s-1 that most likely traces a nuclear outflow. The morphological and spectral properties of the emission lines allow us to constrain the dense gas dynamics. We combine our kinematic analysis for these three objects, as well as another with archival data, with a previous comparable analysis of four other objects, to create a sample of eight Seyferts. In seven of these, the emission line kinematics imply thick disc structures on radial scales of ~100 pc, suggesting such structures are a common occurrence. We find a relation between the circum-nuclear LHCN and Mdyn that can be explained by a gas fraction of 10 per cent and a conversion factor αHCN ~ 10 between gas mass and HCN luminosity. Finally, adopting a different perspective to probe the physical properties of the gas around active galactic nuclei, we report on an analysis of molecular line ratios which indicates that the clouds in this region are not self-gravitating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A good knowledge of the angular diameters of stars used to calibrate the observables in stellar interferometry is fundamental. As the available precision for giant stars is worse than the required per cent level, we aim to improve the knowledge of many diameters using MATISSE (Multiple AperTure mid-Infrared SpectroScopic Experiment) data in its different instrumental configurations. Using the squared visibility MATISSE observable, we compute the angular diameter value, which ensures the best-fitting curves, assuming an intensity distribution of a uniform disc. We take into account that the transfer function varies over the wavelength and is different from one instrumental configuration to another. The uncertainties on the diameters are estimated using the residual bootstrap method. Using the low spectral resolution mode in the L band, we observed a set of 35 potential calibrators selected in the Mid-infrared stellar Diameter and Flux Compilation Catalogue with diameters ranging from about 1 to 3 mas. We reach a precision on the diameter estimates in the range 0.6 per cent to 4.1 per cent. The study of the stability of the transfer function in visibility over two nights makes us confident in our results. In addition, we identify one star, 75 Vir initially present in the calibrator lists, for which our method does not converge, and prove to be a binary star. This leads us to the conclusion that our method is actually necessary to improve the quality of the astrophysical results obtained with MATISSE, and that it can be used as a useful tool for 'bad calibrator' detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. The aim of this paper is to understand the relation in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) between the small obscuring torus and dusty structures at larger scales (5−10 pc). Methods. The dusty structures in AGNs are best observed in the mid-infrared. To achieve the necessary spatial resolution (20−100 millarcsec) we use ESO’s Mid-Infrared Interferometer (MIDI) with the 1.8 m Auxiliary Telescopes. We use the chromatic phases in the data to improve the spatial fidelity of the analysis. Results. We present interferometric data for NGC 1068 obtained in 2007 and 2012. We find no evidence of source variability. Many (u, v) points show non-zero chromatic phases indicating significant asymmetries. Gaussian model fitting of the correlated fluxes and chromatic phases provides a three-component best fit with estimates of sizes, temperatures, and positions of the components. A large, warm, offcenter component is required at a distance approximately 90 mas to the northwest at a position angle (PA) of ∼−18◦. Conclusions. The dust at 5−10 pc in the polar region contributes four times more to the mid-infrared flux at 12 μm than the dust located at the center. This dust may represent the inner wall of a dusty cone. If similar regions are heated by the direct radiation from the nucleus, then they will contribute substantially to the classification of many Seyfert galaxies as Type 2. Such a region is also consistent in other Seyfert galaxies (the Circinus galaxy, NGC 3783, and NGC 424). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the determination of electron densities, and their impact on the outflow masses and rates, measured in the central few hundred parsecs of 11 local luminous active galaxies. We show that the peak of the integrated line emission in the active galactic nuclei (AGN) is significantly offset from the systemic velocity as traced by the stellar absorption features, indicating that the profiles are dominated by outflow. In contrast, matched inactive galaxies are characterized by a systemic peak and weaker outflow wing. We present three independent estimates of the electron density in these AGN, discussing the merits of the different methods. The electron density derived from the [S  ii ] doublet is significantly lower than that found with a method developed in the last decade using auroral and transauroral lines, as well as a recently introduced method based on the ionization parameter. The reason is that, for gas photoionized by an AGN, much of the [S  ii ] emission arises in an extended partially ionized zone where the implicit assumption that the electron density traces the hydrogen density is invalid. We propose ways to deal with this situation and we derive the associated outflow rates for ionized gas, which are in the range 0.001–0.5 M⊙ yr−1 for our AGN sample. We compare these outflow rates to the relation between |$\dot{M}_{\rm out}$| and L AGN in the literature, and argue that it may need to be modified and rescaled towards lower mass outflow rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on our combined analysis of HST , VLT/MUSE, VLT/SINFONI, and ALMA observations of the local Seyfert 2 galaxy, NGC 5728 to investigate in detail the feeding and feedback of the active galactic nucleus (AGN). The data sets simultaneously probe the morphology, excitation, and kinematics of the stars, ionized gas, and molecular gas over a large range of spatial scales (10 pc to 10 kpc). NGC 5728 contains a large stellar bar that is driving gas along prominent dust lanes to the inner 1 kpc where the gas settles into a circumnuclear ring. The ring is strongly star forming and contains a substantial population of young stars as indicated by the lowered stellar velocity dispersion and gas excitation consistent with H  ii regions. We model the kinematics of the ring using the velocity field of the CO (2–1) emission and stars and find it is consistent with a rotating disc. The outer regions of the disc, where the dust lanes meet the ring, show signatures of inflow at a rate of 1 M |$\odot$|  yr−1. Inside the ring, we observe three molecular gas components corresponding to the circular rotation of the outer ring, a warped disc, and the nuclear stellar bar. The AGN is driving an ionized gas outflow that reaches a radius of 250 pc with a mass outflow rate of 0.08 M |$\odot$|  yr−1 consistent with its luminosity and scaling relations from previous studies. While we observe distinct holes in CO emission which could be signs of molecular gas removal, we find that largely the AGN is not disrupting the structure of the circumnuclear region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the Mid-infrared stellar Diameters and Fluxes compilation Catalogue (MDFC) dedicated to long-baseline interferometry at mid-infrared wavelengths (3–13  |$\mu$| m). It gathers data for half a million stars, i.e. nearly all the stars of the Hipparcos -Tycho catalogue whose spectral type is reported in the SIMBAD data base. We cross-match 26 data bases to provide basic information, binarity elements, angular diameter, magnitude and flux in the near and mid-infrared, as well as flags that allow us to identify the potential calibrators. The catalogue covers the entire sky with 465 857 stars, mainly dwarfs and giants from B to M spectral types closer than 18 kpc. The smallest reported values reach 0.16  |$\mu$| Jy in L and 0.1  |$\mu$| Jy in N for the flux, and 2 microarcsec for the angular diameter. We build four lists of calibrator candidates for the L and N bands suitable with the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) sub- and main arrays using the MATISSE instrument. We identify 1621 candidates for L and 44 candidates for N with the Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs), 375 candidates for both bands with the ATs, and 259 candidates for both bands with the Unit Telescopes (UTs). Predominantly cool giants, these sources are small and bright enough to belong to the primary lists of calibrator candidates. In the near future, we plan to measure their angular diameter with 1 per cent accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a spatially resolved stellar population study of the inner ∼200 pc radius of NGC 4303 based on near-infrared integral field spectroscopy with SINFONI/VLT at a spatial resolution of 40–80 pc and using the starlight code. We found that the distribution of the stellar populations presents a spatial variation, suggesting an age stratification. Three main structures stand out. Two nuclear blobs, one composed by young stars (t ≤ 50 Myr) and one with intermediate-age stars (50 Myr < t ≤ 2 Gyr), both shifted from the centre. The third one is an internal intermediate-age spiral arm-like structure, surrounding the blob of young stars. Our results indicate that star formation has occurred through multiple bursts in this source. Furthermore, the youngest stellar populations (t ≲ 2 Gyr) are distributed along a circumnuclear star-forming ring with r ∼ 250 pc. The ring displays star formation rates (SFRs) in the range of 0.002–0.14 M⊙yr−1, favouring the 'pearls-on-a-string' scenario. The old underlying bulge stellar population component (t > 2 Gyr) is distributed outside the two blob structures. For the nuclear region (inner ∼60 pc radius) we derived an SFR of 0.43 M⊙ yr−1 and found no signatures of non-thermal featureless continuum and hot dust emission, supporting the scenario in which an LLAGN/LINER-like source is hidden in the centre of NGC 4303. Thus, our results reveal a rather complex star formation history in NGC 4303, with different stellar population components coexisting with a low efficiency accreting black hole in its centre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present and characterize a sample of 20 nearby Seyfert galaxies selected for having BAT 14-195 keV luminosities LX ≥ 1041.5 erg s-1, redshift z ≤ 0.015, being accessible for observations with the Gemini Near-Infrared Field Spectrograph (NIFS) and showing extended [O III]λ5007 emission. Our goal is to study Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) feeding and feedback processes from near-infrared integral-field spectra, which include both ionized (H II) and hot molecular (H2) emission. This sample is complemented by other nine Seyfert galaxies previously observed with NIFS. We show that the host galaxy properties (absolute magnitudes MB, MH, central stellar velocity dispersion and axial ratio) show a similar distribution to those of the 69 BAT AGN. For the 20 galaxies already observed, we present surface mass density (Σ) profiles for H II and H2 in their inner ˜500 pc, showing that H II emission presents a steeper radial gradient than H2. This can be attributed to the different excitation mechanisms: ionization by AGN radiation for HII and heating by X-rays for H2. The mean surface mass densities are in the range (0.2 ≤ ΣH II ≤ 35.9) Mʘ pc-2, and (0.2 ≤ ΣH2 ≤ 13.9)× 10-3 Mʘ pc-2, while the ratios between the H II and H2 masses range between ˜200 and 8000. The sample presented here will be used in future papers to map AGN gas excitation and kinematics, providing a census of the mass inflow and outflow rates and power as well as their relation with the AGN luminosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution observations from the submm to the optical wavelength regime resolve the central few 100 pc region of nearby galaxies in great detail. They reveal a large diversity of features: thick gas and stellar discs, nuclear starbursts, inflows and outflows, central activity, jet interaction, etc. Concentrating on the role circumnuclear discs play in the life cycles of galactic nuclei, we employ 3D adaptive mesh refinement hydrodynamical simulations with the RAMSES code to self-consistently trace the evolution from a quasi-stable gas disc, undergoing gravitational (Toomre) instability, the formation of clumps and stars and the disc's subsequent, partial dispersal via stellar feedback. Our approach builds upon the observational finding that many nearby Seyfert galaxies have undergone intense nuclear starbursts in their recent past and in many nearby sources star formation is concentrated in a handful of clumps on a few 100 pc distant from the galactic centre. We show that such observations can be understood as the result of gravitational instabilities in dense circumnuclear discs. By comparing these simulations to available integral field unit observations of a sample of nearby galactic nuclei, we find consistent gas and stellar masses, kinematics, star formation and outflow properties. Important ingredients in the simulations are the self-consistent treatment of star formation and the dynamical evolution of the stellar distribution as well as the modelling of a delay time distribution for the supernova feedback. The knowledge of the resulting simulated density structure and kinematics on pc scale is vital for understanding inflow and feedback processes towards galactic scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GRAVITY is a new instrument to coherently combine the light of the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope Interferometer to form a telescope with an equivalent 130m diameter angular resolution and a collecting area of 200m². The instrument comprises fiber fed integrated optics beam combination, high resolution spectroscopy, built-in beam analysis and control, near-infrared wavefront sensing, phasetracking, dual-beam operation, and laser metrology. GRAVITY opens up to optical/infrared interferometry the techniques of phase referenced imaging and narrow angle astrometry, in many aspects following the concepts of radio interferometry. This article gives an overview of GRAVITY and reports on the performance and the first astronomical observations during commissioning in 2015/16. We demonstrate phase-tracking on stars as faint as mK ≈ 10 mag, phase-referenced interferometry of objects fainter than mK ≈ 15 mag with a limiting magnitude of mK ≈ 17 mag, minute long coherent integrations, a visibility accuracy of better than 0:25%, and spectro-differential phase and closure phase accuracy better than 0:5°, corresponding to a differential astrometric precision of better than ten microarcseconds (µas). The dual-beam astrometry, measuring the phase difference of two objects with laser metrology, is still under commissioning. First observations show residuals as low as 50 µas when following objects over several months. We illustrate the instrument performance with the observations of archetypical objects for the different instrument modes. Examples include the Galactic center supermassive black hole and its fast orbiting star S2 for phase referenced dual-beam observations and infrared wavefront sensing, the high mass X-ray binary BP Cru and the active galactic nucleus of PDS 456 for a few µas spectro-differential astrometry, the T Tauri star S CrA for a spectro-differential visibility analysis, ζ Tel and 24 Cap for high accuracy visibility observations, and η Car for interferometric imaging with GRAVITY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Recent NuSTAR observations revealed a somewhat unexpected increase in the X-ray flux of the nucleus of NGC1068. We expect the infrared emission of the dusty torus to react on the intrinsic changes of the accretion disk. Aims. We aim to investigate the origin of the X-ray variation by investigating the response of the mid-infrared environment. Methods. We obtained single-aperture and interferometric mid-infrared measurements and directly compared the measurements observed before and immediately after the X-ray variations. The average correlated and single-aperture fluxes as well as the differential phases were directly compared to detect a possible change in the structure of the nuclear emission on scales of ~2 pc. Results. The flux densities and differential phases of the observations before and during the X-ray variation show no significant change over a period of ten years. Possible minor variations in the infrared emission are ≲6%. Conclusions. Our results suggest that the mid-infrared environment of NGC1068 has remained unchanged for a decade. The recent transient change in the X-rays did not cause a significant variation in the infrared emission. This independent study supports previous conclusions that stated that the X-ray variation detected by NuSTAR observations is due to X-ray emission piercing through a patchy section of the dusty region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warped discs have been found on (sub-)parsec scale in some nearby Sey fert nuclei, identified by their maser emission. Using dust radiative transfer simulations, we explore their observational signatures in the infrared in order to find out whether they can partly replace the molecular torus. Strong variations of the brightness distributions are found, depending on the orientation of the warp with respect to the line of sight. Whereas images at short wavelengths typically show a disc-like and a point source component, the warp itself only becomes visible at far-infrared wavelengths. A similar variety is visible in the shapes of the spectral energy distributions. Especially for close to edge-on views, the models show silicate feature strengths ranging from deep absorption to strong emission for variations of the lines of sight towards the warp. To test the applicability of our model, we use the case of the Circinus galaxy, where infrared interferometry has revealed a highly elongated emission component matching a warped maser disc in orientation and size. Our model is for the first time able to present a physical explanation for the observed dust morphology as coming from the active galactic nuclei heated dust. As opposed to available torus models, a warped disc morphology produces a variety of silicate feature shapes for grazing lines of sight, close to an edge-on view. This could be an attractive alternative to a claimed change of the dust composition for the case of the nearby Sey fert 2 galaxy NGC 1068, which harbours a warped maser disc as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use high-spectral resolution (R > 8000) data covering 3800–13 000 Å to study the physical conditions of the broad-line region (BLR) of nine nearby Seyfert 1 galaxies. Up to six broad H i lines are present in each spectrum. A comparison – for the first time using simultaneous optical to near-infrared observations – to photoionization calculations with our devised simple scheme yields the extinction to the BLR at the same time as determining the density and photon flux, and hence distance from the nucleus, of the emitting gas. This points to a typical density for the H i emitting gas of 1011 cm−3 and shows that a significant amount of this gas lies at regions near the dust sublimation radius, consistent with theoretical predictions. We also confirm that in many objects, the line ratios are far from case B, the best-fitting intrinsic broad-line Hα/H β ratios being in the range 2.5–6.6 as derived with our photoionization modelling scheme. The extinction to the BLR, based on independent estimates from H i and He ii lines, is AV ≤ 3 for Seyfert 1–1.5s, while Seyfert 1.8–1.9s have AV in the range 4–8. A comparison of the extinction towards the BLR and narrow-line region (NLR) indicates that the structure obscuring the BLR exists on scales smaller than the NLR. This could be the dusty torus, but dusty nuclear spirals or filaments could also be responsible. The ratios between the X-ray absorbing column NH and the extinction to the BLR are consistent with the Galactic gas-to-dust ratio if NH variations are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The stellar population in the central parsec of the Galaxy is dominated in mass and number by an old (several Gyr) population, but young (6 ± 2 Myr), massive stars dominate the luminosity function. The most luminous of these stars is an M1 supergiant, GCIRS 7. Aims. We have studied GCIRS 7 in order to constrain the age of the recent star formation event in the Galactic centre and to characterise it as a visibility and phase reference for observations of the Galactic centre with the interferometric instrument GRAVITY, which will equip the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) in the near future. Methods. We present the first H-band interferometric observations of GCIRS 7, obtained using the PIONIER visitor instrument on the VLTI using the four 8.2-m unit telescopes. In addition, we present unpublished K-band VLTI/AMBER data and build JHKL light curves based on archival data spanning almost 40 years, and measured the star's effective temperature using SINFONI integral field spectroscopy. Results. GCIRS 7 is marginally resolved in the H band with a uniform-disk diameter ϑUD(2013) = 1.076 ± 0.093 mas (RUD(2013) = 960 ± 92 R⊙ at 8.33 ± 0:35 kpc). We detect a significant circumstellar contribution in the K band. The star and its environment are variable in brightness and in size. The photospheric H-band variations are modelled well with two periods: P0 ≃ 470 ± 10 days (amplitude ≃0.64 mag) and long secondary period PLSP ≃ 2700–2850 days (amplitude ≃1.1 mag). As measured from 12CO equivalent width, 〈Teff〉 = 3600 ± 195 K. Conclusions. The size, periods, luminosity (〉Mbol〉 = –8:44 ± 0:22), and effective temperature are consistent with an M1 supergiant with an initial mass of 22:5±2:5 M⊙ and an age of 6.5-10 Myr (depending on rotation). This age is in remarkable agreement with most estimates for the recent star formation event in the central parsec. Caution should be taken when using this star as a phase reference or visibility calibrator because it is variable in size, is surrounded by a variable circumstellar environment, and large convection cells may form on its photosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust around active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is distributed over a wide range of spatial scales and can be observed in the infrared (IR). It is generally assumed that the distribution on parsec scales forms a geometrically and optically thick entity in the equatorial plane around the accretion disk and broad-line region-dubbed "dust torus"-that emits the bulk of the subarcsecond-scale IR emission and gives rise to orientation-dependent obscuration. However, recent IR interferometry studies with unprecedented position angle (P.A.) and baseline coverage on these small scales in two obscured (type 2) AGNs have revealed that the majority of the mid-IR emission in these objects is elongated in the polar direction. These observations are difficult to reconcile with the standard interpretation that most of the parsec-scale mid-IR emission in AGNs originate from the torus and challenges the justification of using simple torus models to model the broadband IR emission. Here, we report detailed interferometry observations of the unobscured (type 1) AGN in NGC 3783 that allow us to constrain the size, elongation, and direction of the mid-IR emission with high accuracy. The mid-IR emission is characterized by a strong elongation toward position angle P.A. -52°, closely aligned with the polar axis (P.A. -45°). We determine half-light radii along the major and minor axes at 12.5 μm of (20.0 ± 3.0) mas × (6.7 ± 1.0) mas or (4.23 ± 0.63) pc × (1.42 ± 0.21) pc, which corresponds to intrinsically scaled sizes of (69.4 ± 10.8) rin × (23.3 ± 3.5) rin for the inner dust radius of rin = 0.061 pc as inferred from near-IR reverberation mapping. This implies an axis ratio of 3:1, with about 60%-90% of the 8-13μm emission associated with the polar-elongated component. It is quite likely that the hot-dust emission as recently resolved by near-IR interferometry is misaligned with the mid-IR emitting source, which also finds a correspondence in the two distinct 3-5μm and 20μm bumps seen in the high angular resolution spectral energy distribution (SED). Based on this SED, we determine covering factors for the hot and warm dust components of Chot = 0.42+0.42 -0.21 and Cwarm = 0.92+0.92 -0.46, respectively. We conclude that these observations support a scenario where the majority of the mid-IR emission in Seyfert AGNs originate from a dusty wind in the polar region of the AGN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Circumstellar disks are believed to be the birthplace of planets and are expected to dissipate on a timescale of a few Myr. The processes responsible for the removal of the dust and gas will strongly modify the radial distribution of the circumstellar matter and consequently the spectral energy distribution. In particular, a young planet will open a gap, resulting in an inner disk dominating the near-IR emission and an outer disk emitting mostly in the far-infrared. Aims. We analyze a full set of data involving new near-infrared data obtained with the 4-telescope combiner (VLTI/PIONIER), new mid-infrared interferometric VLTI/MIDI data, literature photometric and archival data from VLT/NaCo/SAM to constrain the structure of the transition disk around T Cha. Methods. After a preliminary analysis with a simple geometric model, we used the MCFOST radiative transfer code to simultaneously model the SED and the interferometric observables from raytraced images in the H-, L0-, and N-bands. Results. We find that the dust responsible for the strong emission in excess in the near-IR must have a narrow temperature distribution with a maximum close to the silicate sublimation temperature. This translates into a narrow inner dusty disk (0.07-0.11AU), with a significant height (H=r ~ 0:2) to increase the geometric surface illuminated by the central star. We find that the outer disk starts at about 12AU and is partially resolved by the PIONIER, SAM, and MIDI instruments. We discuss the possibility of a self-shadowed inner disk, which can extend to distances of several AU. Finally, we show that the SAM closure phases, interpreted as the signature of a candidate companion, may actually trace the asymmetry generated by forward scattering by dust grains in the upper layers of the outer disk. These observations help constrain the inclination and position angle of the disk to about +58° and -70°, respectively. Conclusions. The circumstellar environment of T Cha appears to be best described by two disks spatially separated by a large gap. The presence of matter (dust or gas) inside the gap is, however, difficult to assess with present-day observations. Our model suggests the outer disk contaminates the interferometric signature of any potential companion that could be responsible for the gap opening, and such a companion still has to be unambiguously detected. We stress the difficulty to observe point sources in bright massive disks, and the consequent need to account for disk asymmetries (e.g. anisotropic scattering) in model-dependent search for companions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the two-dimensional distribution and kinematics of the stars as well as molecular and ionized gas in the central few hundred parsecs of five active and five matched inactive galaxies. The equivalent widths of the Brγ line indicate that there is no ongoing star formation in their nuclei, although recent (terminated) starbursts are possible in the active galaxies. The stellar velocity fields show no signs of non-circular motions, while the 1-0 S(1) H2 kinematics exhibit significant deviations from simple circular rotation. In the active galaxies the H2 kinematics reveal inflow and outflow superimposed on disk rotation. Steady-state circumnuclear inflow is seen in three active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and hydrodynamical models indicate it can be driven by a large-scale bar. In three of the five AGNs, molecular outflows are spatially resolved. The outflows are oriented such that they intersect, or have an edge close to, the disk, which may be the source of molecular gas in the outflow. The relatively low speeds imply the gas will fall back onto the disk, and with moderate outflow rates, they will have only a local impact on the host galaxy. H2 was detected in two inactive galaxies. These exhibit chaotic circumnuclear dust morphologies and have molecular structures that are counter-rotating with respect to the main gas component, which could lead to gas inflow in the near future. In our sample, all four galaxies with chaotic dust morphology in the circumnuclear region exist in moderately dense groups with 10-15 members where accretion of stripped gas can easily occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]