The AGNIFS survey: distribution and excitation of the hot molecular and ionized gas in the inner kpc of nearby AGN hosts

ABSTRACT We use the Gemini NIFS instrument to map H$_2\, 2.1218\, \mu$m and Br? flux distributions in inner 0.04–2 kpc of a sample 36 nearby active galaxies (0.001 ? z 0.056) at spatial resolutions from 4 250 pc. find extended emission 34 galaxies. In ?55 per cent them, both lines is most along galaxy major axis, while other 45 extent follows distinct orientation. The H2 less concentrated than that Br?, presenting radius contains half 60 greater, on average. driven by thermal processes – X-ray heating shocks locations for all galaxies, where $0.4\lt \rm H_2/Br\gamma \lt 6$. For regions H2/Br? > 6 (seen 40 galaxies), are main excitation mechanism, with < 0.4 (25 sample) produced fluorescence. only difference we found between type 1 2 galactic nucleus (AGN) was nuclear emission-line equivalent widths smaller due larger contribution continuum hot dusty torus former. gas masses 125 pc range 101?104 M? 103?106 ionized would be enough power AGN our 105?108 yr their current accretion rates.