NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010A-0178
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010A-0178 |
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PI: Kevin Schawinski, Yale University, kevin.schawinski@yale.edu
Address: Department of Astronomy, PO Box 208101, New Haven, CT, 06520-8101, USA
CoI: Ezequiel Treister, University of Hawaii (IfA)
CoI: C. Megan Urry, Yale University
CoI: Marc Sarzi, University of Hertfordshire
Title: Deep spectroscopy of a sample of local obscured AGN
Abstract:
Recent observational work on AGN host galaxies has complicated our
understanding of the galaxy-black hole connection. In particular, the
concentration of AGN host galaxies at intermediat optical colors in the
``green valley'' challenges the picture presented by theorists wherein
powerful AGN phases are responsible for the shutdown of star formation.
However, broadband photometry is insufficient to disentangle physical
parameters such as age, metallicity and dust. We therefore propose to observe
a sample of local obscured AGN detected in hard X-rays by Swift using the
Burst Alert Telescope (BAT; 14-195 keV) with GMOS in long-slit mode to
measure stellar absorption indices to perform a detailed analysis of their
host galaxy stellar populations and star formation history. Obscured AGN are
ideally suited for this study as the nuclear obscuration extinguishes
virtually all of the radiative output of the AGN central engine at optical
wavelengths.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010A-0178 |
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