Radio spectra of the low-luminosity active galactic nucleus NGC 266 at centimetre-to-submillimetre wavelengths

We report multi-frequency and multi-epoch radio continuum observations with multi-spatial resolution for the low-luminosity active galactic nucleus (LLAGN) NGC 266. In the centimetre regime, we find diffuse components with Very Large Array (VLA) observations, and a variable compact core with a rising spectrum with Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) observations. Although the spectral index of the rising spectrum is consistent with the prediction of the simple advection-dominated accretion flow (ADAF) model, the observed radio power is slightly high compared with that of the model prediction. A spectral break at centimetre-to-millimetre wavelengths is inferred from the upper limits of flux densities from Nobeyama Millimetre Array (NMA) and James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) data at millimetre and submillimetre wavelengths, respectively. More complicated considerations are required for the theoretical model to interpret such observed radio properties.     

Orientation dependency of broad-line widths in quasars and consequences for black hole mass estimation

We have identified two new galaxies with gas counter-rotation (NGC 1596 and 3203) and have confirmed similar behaviour in another one (NGC 128), this using results from separate studies of the ionized-gas and stellar kinematics of a well-defined sample of 30 edge-on disc galaxies. Gas counter-rotators thus represent 10 ± 5 per cent of our sample, but the fraction climbs to 21 ± 11 per cent when only lenticular (S0) galaxies are considered and to 27 ± 13 per cent for S0 galaxies with detected ionized gas only. Those fractions are consistent with but slightly higher than previous studies. A compilation from well-defined studies of S0 galaxies in the literature yields fractions of 15 ± 4 and 23 ± 5 per cent, respectively. Although mainly based on circumstantial evidence, we argue that the counter-rotating gas originates primarily from minor mergers and tidally induced transfer of material from nearby objects. Assuming isotropic accretion, twice those fractions of objects must have undergone similar processes, underlining the importance of (minor) accretion for galaxy evolution. Applications of gas counter-rotators to barred galaxy dynamics are also discussed.     

Response of the integrals in the Tremaine–Weinberg method to multiple pattern speeds: a counter-rotating inner bar in NGC 2950?

When integrals in the standard Tremaine–Weinberg method are evaluated for the case of a realistic model of a doubly barred galaxy, their modifications introduced by the second rotating pattern are in accord with what can be derived from a simple extension of that method, based on separation of tracer's density. This extension yields a qualitative argument that discriminates between prograde and retrograde inner bars. However, the estimate of the value of inner bar's pattern speed requires further assumptions. When this extension of the Tremaine–Weinberg method is applied to the recent observation of the doubly barred galaxy NGC 2950, it indicates that the inner bar there is counter-rotating, possibly with the pattern speed of  −140 ± 50 km s⁻¹ arcsec⁻¹  . The occurrence of counter-rotating inner bars can constrain theories of galaxy formation.     

Suzaku observation of NGC 3516: complex absorption and the broad and narrow Fe K lines

We present preliminary results from a 150 ks Suzaku observation of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 3516. Suzaku 's wide bandpass has enabled us to deconvolve the broadband emitting and absorbing components in this object, breaking model degeneracies inherent in previous, smaller‐bandpass spectra. The primary power‐law continuum is absorbed by an ionized absorber as well as a partial‐covering absorber; the column density of the ionized absorber has increased by a factor of ∼3 since XMM‐Newton observations in 2001. We detect a soft power‐law component which may be scattered emission. We confirm the presence of the broad Fe line, finding a eV equivalent width line that indicates emission extending down to a few Schwarzschild radii. Models which exclude either the broad line or the partial‐covering absorber are rejected. Suzaku 's high effective area and low background near 6 keV also allow us to resolve the narrow Fe K emission line; we find a FWHM velocity width near 4000 km s^–1, commensurate with Broad Line Region velocities. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Stellar populations and dust in the galaxy NGC 2976, a low-luminosity member of the M81 group

Photographic UBV photometry of NGC 2976, a low-luminosity member of the central M81 group of galaxies, is presented. Young stars in the central disk determine the optical view and the classification of this Sc(pec) galaxy. It is surrounded by a halo of an old population which contains nearly all the mass and half the luminosity of the system. This halo has some properties typical of spheroidal dwarf galaxies: an exponential brightness profile, an ellipticity trend of the isophotes typical of low-mass systems, and mass and luminosity near the upper limit of typical dwarfs. In the central population I disk, star formation proceeds in dense associations scattered irregularly in a broad ringlike region of 1.2 kpc radius just inside the turnover of the rotation curve. This star formation episode may last since some 10⁸ a; it is possibly triggered by gas infall from the interstellar cloud generated during encounters between other group members in the central M81 group. A direct triggering by recent encounters is excluded since NGC 2976 is undisturbed in its outer parts.     

BVRI photometry of possible standard stars in NGC 188

CCD photometry of possible standard stars, in Cousins B, V, R and I, in a field in the region of NGC 188 is presented.