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Galaxy evolution: black hole feedback in the luminous quasar PDS 456

Galaxy evolution: black hole feedback in the luminous quasar PDS 456 Thumbnail


Abstract

The evolution of galaxies is connected to the growth of supermassive black holes in their centers. During the quasar phase, a huge luminosity is released as matter falls onto the black hole, and radiation-driven winds can transfer most of this energy back to the host galaxy. Over five different epochs, we detected the signatures of a nearly spherical stream of highly ionized gas in the broadband x-ray spectra of the luminous quasar PDS 456. This persistent wind is expelled at relativistic speeds from the inner accretion disk, and its wide aperture suggests an effective coupling with the ambient gas. The outflow's kinetic power larger than 10(46) ergs per second is enough to provide the feedback required by models of black hole and host galaxy coevolution.

Acceptance Date Jan 20, 2015
Publication Date Feb 20, 2015
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Science
Print ISSN 0036-8075
Publisher American Association for the Advancement of Science
Pages 860 -863
DOI https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1259202
Keywords quasars, black holes
Publisher URL http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6224/860.long

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