A candidate optically quiescent quasar lacking narrow emission lines

ABSTRACT Many active galactic nuclei (AGN) surveys rely on optical emission line signatures for robust source classification. There are, however, examples of luminous AGN candidates lacking such signatures, including those from the narrow-line region, which are expected to be less susceptible to classical nuclear (torus) obscuration. Here, we seek to formalize this subpopulation of AGN with a prototypical candidate, SDSS J075139.06+402810.9. This shows infrared (IR) colours typical for AGN, an optical spectrum dominated by an early type galaxy continuum, an [O iii] λ5007Å limiting flux about two dex below Type 2 quasars at similar IR power, and a k-corrected 12 $\mu$m quasar-like luminosity of ∼ 1045 erg s−1. These characteristics are not consistent with jet and host galaxy dilution. A potential scenario to explain this AGN quiescence in the optical is a sky-covering ‘cocoon’ of obscuring material, such that the AGN ionizing radiation is unable to escape and excite gas on kpc scales. Alternatively, we may be witnessing the short phase between recent triggering of obscured AGN activity and the subsequent narrow-line excitation. This prototype could define the base properties of an emerging candidate AGN subtype – an intriguing transitional phase in AGN and galaxy evolution.

The velocity dispersion function of early-type galaxies and its redshift evolution: the newest results from lens redshift test

The redshift distribution of galactic-scale lensing systems provides a laboratory to probe the velocity dispersion function (VDF) of early-type galaxies (ETGs) and measure the evolution of early-type galaxies at redshift z ∼ 1. Through the statistical analysis of the currently largest sample of early-type galaxy gravitational lenses, we conclude that the VDF inferred solely from strong lensing systems is well consistent with the measurements of SDSS DR5 data in the local universe. In particular, our results strongly indicate a decline in the number density of lenses by a factor of two and a 20% increase in the characteristic velocity dispersion for the early-type galaxy population at z ∼ 1. Such VDF evolution is in perfect agreement with the ΛCDM paradigm (i.e., the hierarchical build-up of mass structures over cosmic time) and different from ”stellar mass-downsizing” evolutions obtained by many galaxy surveys. Meanwhile, we also quantitatively discuss the evolution of the VDF shape in a more complex evolution model, which reveals its strong correlation with that of the number density and velocity dispersion of early-type galaxies. Finally, we evaluate if future missions such as LSST can be sensitive enough to place the most stringent constraints on the redshift evolution of early-type galaxies, based on the redshift distribution of available gravitational lenses.

Survey of Gravitationally Lensed Objects in HSC Imaging (SuGOHI) – VII. Discovery and confirmation of three strongly lensed quasars†

ABSTRACT We present spectroscopic confirmation of three new two-image gravitationally lensed quasars, compiled from existing strong lens and X-ray catalogues. Images of HSC J091843.27–022007.5 show a red galaxy with two blue point sources at either side, separated by 2.26 arcsec. This system has a source and a lens redshifts zs = 0.804 and zℓ = 0.459, respectively, as obtained by our follow-up spectroscopic data. CXCO J100201.50+020330.0 shows two point sources separated by 0.85 arcsec on either side of an early-type galaxy. The follow-up spectroscopic data confirm the fainter quasar has the same redshift with the brighter quasar from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) fiber spectrum at zs = 2.016. The deflecting foreground galaxy is a typical early-type galaxy at a redshift of zℓ = 0.439. SDSS J135944.21+012809.8 has two point sources with quasar spectra at the same redshift zs = 1.096, separated by 1.05 arcsec, and fits to the HSC images confirm the presence of a galaxy between these. These discoveries demonstrate the power of the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (HSC-SSP)’s deep imaging and wide sky coverage. Combined with existing X-ray source catalogues and follow-up spectroscopy, the HSC-SSP provides us unique opportunities to find multiple-image quasars lensed by a foreground galaxy.

Distance and mass of the M 104 (Sombrero) group

Aims. Distances and radial velocities of galaxies in the vicinity of the luminous early-type galaxy M 104 (Sombrero) are used to derive its dark matter mass. Methods. Two dwarf galaxies: UGCA 307 and KKSG 30 situated near M 104 were observed with the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the Hubble Space Telescope. The distances 9.03−0.51+0.84 Mpc (UGCA 307) and 9.72−0.41+0.44 Mpc (KKSG 30) were determined using the tip of the red giant branch method. These distances are consistent with the dwarf galaxies being satellites of Sombrero. Results. Using radial velocities and projected separations of UGCA 307, KKSG 30, and a third galaxy with an accurate distance (KKSG 29), as well as 12 other assumed companions with less accurate distances, the total mass of M 104 is estimated to be (1.55 ± 0.49) × 1013 M⊙. At the K-band luminosity of the Sombrero galaxy of 2.4 × 1011 L⊙, its total mass-to-luminosity ratio is MT/LK = (65 ± 20) M⊙/L⊙, which is about three times higher than that of luminous bulgeless galaxies.

The first detection of ultra-diffuse galaxies in the Hydra I cluster from the VEGAS survey

In this paper, we report the discovery of 27 low-surface brightness galaxies, of which 12 are candidates for ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDG) in the Hydra I cluster, based on deep observations taken as part of the VST Early-type Galaxy Survey (VEGAS). This first sample of UDG candidates in the Hydra I cluster represents an important step in our project that aims to enlarge the number of confirmed UDGs and, through study of statistically relevant samples, constrain the nature and formation of UDGs. This study presents the main properties of this class of galaxies in the Hydra I cluster. For all UDGs, we analysed the light and colour distribution, and we provide a census of the globular cluster (GC) systems around them. Given the limitations of a reliable GC selection based on two relatively close optical bands only, we find that half of the UDG candidates have a total GC population consistent with zero. Of the other half, two galaxies have a total population larger than zero at 2σ level. We estimate the stellar mass, the total number of GCs, and the GC specific frequency (SN). Most of the candidates span a range of stellar masses of 107 − 108 M⊙. Based on the GC population of these newly discovered UDGs, we conclude that most of these galaxies have a standard or low dark matter content, with a halo mass of ≤1010 M⊙.