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| Paper: |
AGN Narrow-Line Kinematics: Determining Inclinations via Outflows |
| Volume: |
460, AGN Winds in Charleston |
| Page: |
154 |
| Authors: |
Fischer, T. C.; Crenshaw, D. M.; Kraemer, S. B.; Schmitt, H. R.; Turner, T. J. |
| Abstract: |
Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) are axisymmetric systems in which their observed properties
are strong functions of inclination with respect to our line of sight. However, except for
a few special cases, the specific inclinations of individual AGN are unknown. We have
developed a promising technique for determining the inclinations of nearby AGN by mapping
the kinematics of their narrow-line regions (NLRs), which are easily resolved with Hubble
Space Telescope (HST) [O III] imaging and long-slit spectra from STIS. Our studies indicate
that NLR kinematics dominated by radial outflow can be fit with simple biconical outflow
models that can be used to determine the inclination of the bicone axis, and hence the
obscuring torus, with respect to our line of sight. Using inclinations determined from models
of 17 individual AGN, we can for the first time assess the effect of inclination on other
observable parameters in radio-quiet AGN, including the discovery of a distinct correlation
between AGN inclination and X-ray column density. As our line of sight with respect to
the bicone axis increases, the torus surrounding the AGN becomes closer to edge-on and we
see a seamless increase in column density between Seyfert 1 and Seyfert 2 galaxies. |
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