Highly ionized gas on galaxy scales: Mapping the interacting Seyfert galaxy LEDA 135736

Abstract

We have used the VIMOS Integral Field Unit to map the properties of the Seyfert 1.9 galaxy LEDA 135736. These maps reveal a number of interesting features including: an extended narrow-line region (ENLR) detectable out to ~9 kpc, an area of intense star formation located at a projected distance of 12 kpc from the centre, an elliptical companion galaxy, and kinematic features, aligned along the long axis of the ENLR, that are consistent with radio jet driven mass outflow. We propose that the ENLR results from extraplanar gas ionized by the active galactic nucleus (AGN), and that the AGN in turn might be triggered by interaction with the companion galaxy, which can also explain the burst of star formation and morphological features. Only about 2 per cent of the ENLR's kinetic energy is in the mass outflow. We infer from this that the bulk of mechanical energy imparted by the jet is used to heat this gas. © 2008 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2008 RAS.