Big Impact in Small Galaxies: Probing AGN-Driven Feedback in Low-Mass Galaxies
Speaker: Dr. Archana Aravindan | University of Texas, Austin
Abstract
Black holes are typically found in large galaxies, but more are now being discovered in smaller systems. Detecting active black holes and understanding their effects in small galaxies is a challenge, as their signals are weak and often mixed with emissions from stars and ongoing star formation. This presentation will demonstrate how a combination of multi-wavelength observations and integral field spectroscopy can help reveal the impact of AGN activity on the gas surrounding low-mass galaxies. By comparing outflows from stellar and black hole activities, it has been found that AGN-driven outflows in small galaxies are faster and more energetic. Additionally, new near-infrared JWST observations show highly ionized coronal line emission in low-mass galaxies with AGN-driven outflows, indicating energetic gas beyond the core. These findings suggest that black holes in small galaxies can significantly influence the evolution of their hosts.
