| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Total Authors: 3
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| Affiliation: | [1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Astron Geofis & Ciencias Atmosfer, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
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| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Astrophysical Journal Letters; v. 734, n. 1 JUN 10 2011. |
| Web of Science Citations: | 11 |
| Abstract | |
Three-dimensional spectroscopy techniques are becoming more and more popular, producing an increasing number of large data cubes. The challenge of extracting information from these cubes requires the development of new techniques for data processing and analysis. We apply the recently developed technique of principal component analysis (PCA) tomography to a data cube from the center of the elliptical galaxy NGC 7097 and show that this technique is effective in decomposing the data into physically interpretable information. We find that the first five principal components of our data are associated with distinct physical characteristics. In particular, we detect a low-ionization nuclear-emitting region (LINER) with a weak broad component in the Balmer lines. Two images of the LINER are present in our data, one seen through a disk of gas and dust, and the other after scattering by free electrons and/or dust particles in the ionization cone. Furthermore, we extract the spectrum of the LINER, decontaminated from stellar and extended nebular emission, using only the technique of PCA tomography. We anticipate that the scattered image has polarized light due to its scattered nature. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 08/06988-0 - Characterization and environment of low luminosity active nuclei |
| Grantee: | Tiago Vecchi Ricci |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate |
| FAPESP's process: | 08/11087-1 - The nature of LINERs |
| Grantee: | Roberto Bertoldo Menezes |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate |