Electron temperature fluctuations in Seyfert galaxies

Abstract

We use Gemini GMOS-IFU observations of three luminous nearby Seyfert galaxies (Mrk79, Mrk348 and Mrk607) to estimate the electron temperature ($T_{\mathrm{e}}$) fluctuations in the inner 0.4-1.1 kpc region of these galaxies. Based on $T_{\mathrm{e}}$ determinations through the [O III]$\lambda 5007$/$\lambda 4363$ emission line ratio of each spaxel, temperature variations are quantified by computing the integrated value of the temperature fluctuation parameter ($t^2$) projected in the plane of the sky $t_{\mathrm{A}}^2$, for the first time in Active Galactic Nuclei. We find $t_{\mathrm{A}}^2$ values of 0.135, 0.039, and 0.015 for Mrk79, Mrk348, and Mrk607, respectively, which are of the same order or larger than the maximum values reported in star-forming regions and planetary nebulae. Taking into account that $t_{\mathrm{A}}^2$ should be considered a lower limit of the total $t^2$ in the nebular volume, the results suggest that the impact of such fluctuations on chemical abundance determinations can be important in some AGNs.

arXiv commentAccepted for publication in MNRAS Letters

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