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Mid-Infrared Spectra of Classical AGN Observed with the Spitzer Space Telescope

D. W. Weedman·Lei Hao·S. J. U. Higdon·D. Devost·Yanling Wu·V. Charmandaris·B. Brandl·E. Bass·J. R. Houck
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Abstract

Full low resolution (65<R<130) and high resolution (R~600) spectra between 5 microns and 37 microns obtained with the Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) on the Spitzer Space Telescope are presented for eight classical active galactic nuclei (AGN) which have been extensively studied previously. Spectra of these AGN are presented as comparison standards for the many objects, including sources at high redshift, which are being observed spectroscopically in the mid-infrared for the first time using the IRS. The AGN are NGC4151, Markarian 3, I Zwicky 1, NGC 1275, Centaurus A, NGC 7469, Markarian 231, and NGC 3079. These sources are used to demonstrate the range of infrared spectra encountered in objects which have widely different classification criteria at other wavelengths but which unquestionably contain AGN. Overall spectral characteristics - including continuum shape, nebular emission lines, silicate absorption and emission features, and PAH emission features - are considered to understand how spectral classifications based on mid-infrared spectra relate to those previously derived from optical spectra. The AGN are also compared to the same parameters for starburst galaxies such as NGC 7714 and the compact, low metallicity starburst SBS 0335-052 previously observed with the IRS. Results confirm the much lower strengths of PAH emission features in AGN, but there are no spectral parameters in this sample which unambiguously distinguish AGN and starbursts based only on the slopes of the continuous spectra.

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D. W. Weedman, Lei Hao, S. J. U. Higdon, D. Devost, Yanling Wu, V. Charmandaris, B. Brandl, E. Bass, J. R. Houck. 2005-07-18. Mid-Infrared Spectra of Classical AGN Observed with the Spitzer Space Telescope. https://doi.org/10.1086/466520

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