arXiv subjects

Alessandro Peca

Publications and source records attributed to Alessandro Peca.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

AGN-DB: A Unified Multi-Wavelength Database of Active Galactic Nuclei

We present the Active Galactic Nuclei Database (AGN-DB), a comprehensive, multi-wavelength catalog compiled from more than 100 publicly available AGN catalogs and samples released by the end of 2025, spanning radio to $\gamma$-ray wavelengths. The database contains approximately 8.1 million unique sources, approximately 7.8 million of which remain after flagging stellar contaminants, and approximately 6.8 million of these are classified as AGN. Source cross-matching across catalogs is performed using Lyra, a Bayesian likelihood-ratio framework that jointly considers positional uncertainties, source densities, and photometric information to compute posterior match probabilities. The resulting catalog provides astrometric coordinates, redshifts, photometry, and classifications for each unique source. All multi-catalog provenance is preserved. For every property, we store the full array of values and originating catalog identifiers, enabling multi-epoch and multi-survey analyses. In this paper, we describe the AGN-DB pipeline, including the cross-matching methodology, and present the statistical properties of the v1.0 catalog. AGN-DB is designed to enable population studies, spectral energy distribution modeling, AGN classification, and variability analyses at an unprecedented scale. Its pipeline is designed to facilitate the integration of new catalogs, allowing AGN-DB to be updated regularly, with releases planned at least annually.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

Multi-epoch Detection of an Ultra-fast Inflow in ESP 39607: Evidence for an Accretion Cascade

We present simultaneous XRISM, XMM-Newton, and NuSTAR observations of ESP 39607, a Seyfert 2 galaxy at $z = 0.201$. XRISM/Resolve reveals two absorption features near 4.7 and 4.9 keV in the observed frame, consistent with redshifted Fe XXV He-$\alpha$/Fe XXVI Ly-$\alpha$ absorption from gas inflowing at $v_{\rm in} \simeq 0.16c$. The high velocity identifies the absorber as an ultra-fast inflow (UFI), which is detected at $\sim 3$-$3.7\sigma$ across different methods and continuum models. Photoionization modeling yields $\log \xi/{\rm erg\,s^{-1}\,cm} \simeq 3.7$-$3.8$ and a column density $\log N_{\rm H,abs}/{\rm cm^{-2}} \simeq 23.2$-$23.8$, the latter depending on the assumed metallicity. The inflow velocity and line properties are consistent with those reported from two earlier NuSTAR epochs, indicating that similar inflowing material was present over a baseline of at least 2.2 yr in the source rest frame. Across all three epochs, the combined detection significance of the UFI is $5.3\sigma$. Given the dynamical timescale of a few days at the inferred radius, $R \simeq 49$-$77\,R_{\rm g}$, the multi-year evidence favors a scenario in which the inflow is continuously replenished, forming an accretion "cascade", rather than a single long-lived cloud. With an estimated mass inflow rate of $\dot{M}_{\rm in} \simeq 0.3$-$1.4\,M_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$, depending on metallicity, and a ratio $\dot{M}_{\rm in}/\dot{M}_{\rm acc} \simeq 0.2$-$1.0$, the inflow could supply a substantial fraction of the accretion needed to power the central active galactic nucleus.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

No evolution in the number density of little red dots from cosmic dawn to cosmic noon

We present our search for little red dots (LRDs) in the "J1030 field", a region of the sky around the $z\sim 6.3$ quasar SDSS J1030+0524, observed by the JWST EIGER program. Over 154 point-like sources selected in a JWST-based photometric catalog, we find five broad line emitters (with $FWHM \gtrsim 1000\ \rm km s^{-1}$) that are red ($F200W - F356W > 0$) and are undetected in the X-rays. We use these sources to derive the bolometric luminosity function (LF) of LRDs at $z = 2.4$ and $z = 4.5$. At $z = 2.4$, the space density of LRDs is only a factor of $\sim 2$ lower than that of all pre-JWST active galactic nuclei (AGNs) with bolometric luminosity $L_{\rm bol} \gtrsim 3 \times 10^{44}\ \rm erg\ s^{-1}$. At $z = 4.5$, our estimate is consistent with those derived for LRDs based on larger areas of the sky. A similar behaviour is observed in the black hole mass function. More importantly, we study the number density of LRDs from cosmic dawn to cosmic noon. We find that there is no significant evolution in the abundance of LRDs with $L_{\rm bol} \gtrsim 3 \times 10^{44}\ \rm erg\ s^{-1}$ at $z > 2$. We speculate that the drop at $z < 4$ seen by other studies is due to their sampling of only the bright-end of the LRDs LF. At cosmic noon, the abundance of LRDs is $n = 3.4^{+5.6}_{-2.4} \times 10^{-5}\ \rm Mpc^{-3}$, which is a factor of $\sim 350$ larger than recent model predictions and is comparable with that of X-ray selected AGNs with similar bolometric luminosity. Our result may imply that, if LRDs are the early, rapid stages of supermassive black hole growth, as suggested by some models, then the formation of black hole seeds can be efficient down to epochs as recent as cosmic noon. Alternatively, LRDs may simply be a high-accretion phase in already mature black holes.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

Resolved UV-Optical HST Imaging and Spectral Energy Distribution Modeling of Nearby BAT Active Galactic Nuclei

We use high-resolution UV-to-optical imaging from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to construct spatially resolved spectral energy distributions (SEDs) for seven nearby ($z<0.07$) hard (14--195$\,$keV) X-ray-selected broad-line active galactic nuclei (AGN) with $L_{\rm bol}=10^{43.26}-10^{45.34}\,\rm{erg\,s^{-1}}$. The high spatial resolution of HST, which physically resolves structures on the scale of $\sim$50$\,$pc at $z=0.05$, enables the separation of AGN and host-galaxy emission through morphological decomposition with GALFIT, yielding improved measurements of AGN properties compared to those obtained with lower-resolution Swift UV/Optical Telescope (UVOT) data. AGN UV magnitudes derived from HST imaging (e.g., F225W) can differ by more than a magnitude from those from Swift/UVOT UVM2 due to extended nuclear emission. Additionally, the inclusion of high-resolution data at longer wavelengths (e.g., F814W) can significantly affect the resulting SED fit. Comparing fits of accretion disk and extinction models using HST and Swift/UVOT data, we find significant differences in the resulting parameters, with average differences of 2.0$\,$eV in the maximum disk temperature and 2.2$\,$mag in the AGN host-galaxy extinction. These differences ultimately lead to significant changes in bolometric luminosities and X-ray bolometric corrections, with the HST-based fits yielding average increases of $\sim$0.57$\,$dex and $\sim$0.66$\,$dex respectively. This demonstrates host-galaxy contamination in unresolved UV--optical data can strongly bias SED-based estimates of disk temperatures, extinction, bolometric luminosities, and X-ray bolometric corrections in AGN. Large-area, high-resolution imaging surveys from Euclid and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will extend these techniques to much larger AGN samples, enabling uniform, high-precision SED measurements in the near-IR.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

UGC 2369S: a Kpc Scale Triple Merger Candidate Identified in a Nearby Luminous Infrared Galaxy

We present high spatial resolution ($\lesssim$1.0''), multi-wavelength observations of UGC 2369S, a nearby luminous infrared galaxy showing three distinct cores separated on kpc scales in near-infrared (NIR) imaging with significant X-ray emission. Utilizing optical/NIR adaptive optics (AO), radio, \chandra X-ray, as well as archival HST imaging, we perform a comprehensive study of AGN activity, obscuration, and host properties. As one of the clearest cases of a triple-nucleus merger at $\simeq$3 kpc separations, UGC 2369S is the first to be studied with high-resolution observations at multiple wavelength. We find that the northern core, having possibly the most massive black hole in the system ($\rm M_{BH}\simeq10^{8}\,M_{\odot}$) is consistent with a heavily obscured AGN. However, its high dust extinction ($\rm A_v>5$), hydrogen column density ($N_\mathrm{H}\gtrsim 10^{25}\,\rm cm^{-2}$) and non-detection of optical coronal lines and coronal X-ray emission leave the identification inconclusive. The other two cores show no evidence for black-hole activity and instead exhibit signatures of tidal disruption. From stellar mass surface density and stellar velocity dispersion maps, we infer that the strongly varying gravitational potential in this three-body system may have cannibalized the stellar bulge of the southwestern core, leaving a metal enriched remnant. An ongoing survey focusing on similar triple systems could help us understand how they evolve and help benchmark numerical simulations, providing insight into gravitational wave predictions and the formation of the most massive black holes.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

BASS. LI. Cool gas supply of HI-massive local Seyfert galaxies

We present neutral atomic hydrogen (HI) imaging observations of 22 HI-rich ($M_{\rm HI} \gtrsim 10^{9.7} M_\odot$), hard X-ray-selected local Seyferts to explore how cool gas is supplied to active galactic nuclei (AGN) hosts. The sample predominantly resides in group-like, gas-rich environments. About 80% (18/22) of the galaxies have HI-detected neighbors, 61% (11/18) of which clearly exhibit strong lopsidedness, one-sided gas tails, and/or gas structures connecting to nearby companion galaxies, suggesting gas exchange histories. We examine the HI size-mass relation and star formation properties of these HI-rich AGN hosts, finding no systematic deviations from known scaling relations. In most cases, our samples are the most massive systems within their respective groups, implying that our sample is more likely to acquire gas rather than lose it. Interestingly, galaxies with more extended HI disks show stronger AGN activity. Considering that extended HI is often associated with external processes, this finding suggests that environmentally accreted gas - through galaxy interactions and gas exchange with neighboring systems - may have played a role in supplying additional fuel to the AGNs in our sample. Notably, the HI extent-AGN activity correlation becomes even tighter for those AGN hosts whose neighboring galaxies are gas poor or lack HI, further supporting externally supplied gas as a fuel source.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

Radio selection of heavily obscured AGN in the J1030 field: unraveling a missing Compton-thick population

We tested the effectiveness of radio selection to discover heavily obscured AGNs, particularly at high-z, and we measured their abundance for the first time from a radio perspective. We consider the radio sources detected in the J1030 field, which is one of the fields with the deepest combination of 1.4 GHz radio and X-ray observations. We defined a radio excess parameter as the ratio between the star formation rate (SFR) that would correspond to the observed radio luminosity and the one directly derived from the spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting, $\rm REX=SFR_{1.4GHz}/SFR^{corr}_{SED}$. We then select as radio excess AGN those sources with $\rm REX>8.5$, corresponding to a $3\sigma$ excess above the median value. In this way, we find 145 radio-excess sources falling into the \textit{Chandra} X-ray image footprint but without X-ray detection. From the deep X-ray upper limits, we estimated a lower limit to the obscuration of each radio-excess AGN, finding on average $\log (N_H/\rm{cm^{-2}})>23.7$. A CTK AGN scenario is also supported by the results of the X-ray stacking analysis performed on sources at $z>1.5$, which revealed X-ray luminosities and hardness ratios compatible with very highly obscured AGN. Finally, we computed the number density of these radio-selected CTK AGN. While at $z\sim 2$ the radio number density agrees well with the CTK AGN predictions of different population synthesis models, at $z\sim3$ the radio selection returns a CTK AGN number density $\sim 2-3$ times larger than what is predicted by the X-ray models and observations. This result supports the effectiveness of radio emission in selecting the most obscured sources, unraveling a population of AGN potentially missed by X-rays surveys at $z>3$, paving the way to a synergistic use of the future radio and X-ray facilities such as the \textit{SKAO} and \textit{NewAthena}.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

BASS LV. Connecting X-ray variability with AGN physical properties and a new path to Cosmological distances

X-ray variability is a well-established characteristic of active galactic nuclei (AGN), known to correlate inversely with both the supermassive black hole mass and luminosity, although the degree of each remains a topic of debate. The potential of X-ray variability as a proxy for MBH or for intrinsic LX has led to proposals to use AGN as standard candles to test cosmological models. However, the large intrinsic dispersion in these relations has limited their practical applications. In this work, we investigate the dependence of X-ray variability on AGN physical properties using a sample of 134 Seyfert 1 galaxies from the BAT AGN Spectroscopic Survey (BASS), which is the largest sample to date, more than three times larger than those used in previous studies. Contrary to earlier findings, we observe that X-ray variability correlates with luminosity just as strongly as with MBH. Furthermore, we still do not find evidence for the expected anti-correlation between variability and Eddington ratio, even when using refined bolometric luminosities from SED fitting to compute the Eddington ratio. From a cosmological perspective, the increased sample size reduces the scatter in the log(L)-log(exvar) relation to ~0.63 dex - a significant improvement over previous results, but still too large to serve as competitive standard candles, when compared to SNIa (uncertainties on distances of ~5-10%) or the L(X)-L(UV) relation in quasars (uncertainties of 10-12%). We tested including the width of broad emission lines as additional parameters, but found that this does not significantly lower the observed dispersion, contrary to previous studies on smaller samples. Finally, we discuss how future X-ray missions such as AXIS and NewAthena will improve this scenario by enabling precise variability measurements for thousands of AGN up to redshift z~3, thereby enabling it as a new cosmological probe.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

Obscured AGN at z < 1.5: X-ray to Far-Infrared SEDs and Host Galaxy Morphologies in the GOODS Fields

We present an analysis of spectral energy distributions (SEDs), galaxy light profiles, and visual morphological classifications for 194 X-ray luminous AGN (intrinsic absorption-corrected log10 LX(0.5 to 7 keV) less than 42.5, with a maximum of 45.2 ergs per second) at redshift z less than 1.5 in the GOODS fields. We generate X-ray to far-infrared SEDs normalized at 1 micron for all AGN and sort them according to their emission slopes in the ultraviolet and infrared. We visually classify their host galaxy morphologies and compute their bulge-to-total light ratios using the software Galaxy Shapes of Light (galight). Most (94 percent) GOODS AGN exhibit obscured SEDs, defined by diminished ultraviolet and/or mid-infrared emission, while only 6 percent show unobscured, quasar-like SEDs. Secular processes appear to play a large role in stimulating AGN emission, as only around one-third of galaxies are undergoing interactions. We also describe the morphological identification of a population of suspected post-merger spheroid galaxies with obscured ultraviolet and infrared SEDs, and distinguish them from the host galaxies of AGN with less obscuration in the ultraviolet or infrared.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

Implications of Non-equatorial Relativistic Accretion Flows for Ultra-Fast Inflows in AGNs

Motivated by a number of X-ray observations of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) that exhibit a potential signature of ultra-fast inflows (UFIs), we consider in this work a scenario that UFIs can be physically identified as weakly-magnetized hydrodynamic accretion flows that is guided and channeled by poloidal magnetic field into low-to-mid latitude above the equatorial disk. In the context of general relativistic hydrodynamics (GRHD) under a weak-field limit in Kerr spacetime, we present a set of preliminary results by numerically calculating the physical property of GRHD flows (e.g. kinematics and density distribution) in an effort to simulate redshifted absorption line spectra. Our model demonstrates that such GRHD accretion off the equatorial plane (i.e. $v \gsim 0.1c$ where $c$ is the speed of light in the vicinity of AGN closer than $\sim 100$ \sw radii) can manifest itself as UFIs in the form of redshifted absorption signature assuming the observed characteristics such as column density of $N_H \sim 10^{23}$ cm$^{-2}$ and ionization parameter of $\log (\xi \rm{[erg~cm~s^{-1}])} \sim 3$ as also seen in recent multi-epoch {\it NuSTAR} observations among other data.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Predicting Quasar Counts Detectable in the LSST Survey

The Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), being conducted by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, is a wide-field multi-band survey that will revolutionize our understanding of extragalactic sources through its unprecedented combination of area and depth. While the LSST survey strategy is still being finalized, the Rubin Observatory team has generated a series of survey simulations using the LSST Operations Simulator to explore the optimal survey strategy that best accommodates the majority of scientific goals. In this study, we utilize the latest simulated data to predict the number of detectable quasars by LSST in each band and evaluate the impact of different survey strategies. We find that the number of quasars and lower luminosity AGNs detected in the baseline strategy (v4.3.1) in the redshift range z=0.3-6.7 will be highest in the i-band and lowest in the u-band. Over 70% of quasars are expected to be detected within the first year in all bands, as LSST will have already reached the break of the luminosity function at most redshifts. With a limiting magnitude of 25.7 mag, we expect to detect 184 million AGNs in the z-band over the 10-year survey, with quasars constituting only 6% of the total AGNs in each band. This arises because, considering that the luminosities of most low-luminosity AGNs are affected by contamination from their host galaxies, we set a magnitude threshold when predicting the number of quasars. We find that variations in the u-band strategy can impact the number of quasar detections. Specifically, the difference between the baseline strategy and that with the largest total exposure in u is 15%. In contrast, changes in rolling strategies, DDF strategies, weather conditions, and Target of Opportunity observations result in variations below 2%. These results provide valuable insights for optimizing approaches to maximize the scientific output of quasar studies.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

BASS LIV. Physical Properties of AGN-Hosting Galaxy Mergers from Multiwavelength SED Fitting

Galaxy mergers are believed to play an important role in triggering rapid supermassive black hole (SMBH) growth. As merging nuclei approach each other, the physical properties of the participating galaxies and the associated SMBH growth are expected to evolve significantly. This study measures and characterizes these physical properties throughout the merger sequence. We constructed multiwavelength Spectral Energy Distributions (SEDs) from hard X-rays to the far-infrared (FIR) for a sample of 72 nearby Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) host galaxies. The sample comprises 64 interacting systems, including single AGNs in mergers and dual AGNs, with nuclear separations $\leq$30 kpc, as well as eight isolated active galaxies with merging features. We carefully adapted available photometric measurements at each wavelength to account for their complex morphologies and varying spatial resolutions, to perform SED fitting using CIGALE, aimed to derive critical physical properties. Our results reveal that merging galaxies hosting AGN(s) show deviations from the star-forming main sequence, and a wide range of star formation rates (SFRs). Both AGN activity and star formation are significantly influenced by the merger process, but these effects are more prominent in major, mass ratios $<$4:1, interactions. We find that the projected nuclear separation is not a good tracer of the merger stage. Instead, morphological classification accurately assesses the merger progression. Based on this morphological analysis, late-stage mergers exhibit elevated SFRs (5.1$\times$), AGN luminosities (2.4$\times$), and nuclear obscuration (2.8$\times$) compared to earlier stages, supporting previous findings and reinforcing the link between merger-driven galaxy evolution and SMBH growth.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

BASS LIII: The Eddington Ratio as the Primary Regulator of the Fraction of X-ray Emission in Active Galactic Nuclei

Active galactic nuclei (AGN) emit radiation via accretion across the entire energy spectrum. While the standard disk and corona model can somewhat describe this emission, it fails to predict specific features such as the soft X-ray excess, the short-term optical/UV variability, and the observed UV/X-ray correlation in AGN. In this context, the fraction of AGN emission in different bands (i.e., bolometric corrections) can be useful to better understand the accretion physics of AGN. Past studies have shown that the X-ray bolometric corrections are strongly dependent on the physical properties of AGN, such as their luminosities and Eddington ratios. However, since these two parameters depend on each other, it has been unclear which is the main driver of the X-ray bolometric corrections. We present here results from a large study of hard X-ray-selected (14-195 keV) nearby ($z<0.1$) AGN. Based on our systematic analysis of the simultaneous optical-to-X-ray spectral energy distributions of 236 unobscured AGN, we found that the primary parameter controlling the X-ray bolometric corrections is the Eddington ratio. Our results show that while the X-ray bolometric correction increases with the bolometric luminosity for sources with intermediate Eddington ratios ($0.01-1$), this dependence vanishes for sources with lower Eddington ratios ($<0.01$). This could be used as evidence for a change in the accretion physics of AGN at low Eddington ratios.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

BASS. XLIX. Characterization of highly luminous and obscured AGNs: local X-ray and [NeV]$\lambda$3426 emission in comparison with the high-redshift Universe

We present a detailed analysis of the most luminous and obscured Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) detected in the ultra-hard X-ray band (14-195 keV) by Swift/BAT. Our sample comprises 21 X-ray luminous (log $L_X/{\rm erg\,s^{-1}}>44.6$, 2-10 keV) AGNs at $z<0.6$, optically classified as Seyfert 1.9-2. Using NuSTAR, XMM-Newton, Suzaku, and Chandra, we constrain AGN properties such as absorption column density $N_H$, photon index $\Gamma$, intrinsic $L_X$, covering factor, and iron K$\alpha$ equivalent width. For sources with black hole mass estimates (12/20), we find a weak correlation between $\Gamma$ and Eddington ratio ($\lambda_{Edd}$). Of these, six ($50\pm13\%$) lie in the $N_H$-$\lambda_{Edd}$ "forbidden region'' and exhibit a combined higher prevalence of $N_H$ variability and outflow signatures, suggesting a transitional phase where AGN feedback may be clearing the obscuring material. For the 13/21 sources with multi-epoch X-ray spectra, $82^{+6}_{-16}\%$ exhibit variability in either 2-10 keV flux ($73^{+9}_{-16}\%$) or line-of-sight $N_H$ ($33^{+15}_{-10}\%$). For the 20/21 sources with available near-UV/optical spectroscopy, we detect [NeV]$\lambda$3426 in 17 ($85^{+5}_{-11}\%$), confirming its reliability to probe AGN emission even in heavily obscured systems. When normalized to the same [OIII]$\lambda$5007 peak flux as $z = 2$-$9$ narrow-line AGNs identified with JWST, our sample exhibits significantly stronger [NeV]$\lambda$3426 emission, suggesting that high-redshift obscured AGNs may be intrinsically weaker in [NeV]$\lambda$3426 or that [NeV]$\lambda$3426 is more challenging to detect in those environments. The sources presented here serve as a benchmark for high-redshift analogs, showing the potential of [NeV]$\lambda$3426 to reveal obscured AGNs and the need for future missions to expand X-ray studies into the high-redshift Universe.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

Insights for Early Massive Black Hole Growth from JWST Detection of the [Ne v] {\lambda}3427 Emission Line

We use the narrow [Ne v] $\lambda$3427 emission line detected in the recently published JWST spectra of two galaxies, at z = 6.9 and 5.6, to study the key properties of the active galactic nuclei (AGN) and the supermassive black holes (SMBHs) in their centers. Using a new empirical scaling linking the [Ne v] line emission with AGN accretion-driven (continuum) emission, derived from a highly complete low-redshift AGN sample, we show that the [Ne v] emission in the two z > 5 galaxies implies total (bolometric) AGN luminosities of order L_bol~(4-8)x10^45 erg/s. Assuming that the radiation emitted from these systems is Eddington limited, the (minimal) black hole masses are of order M_BH>10^7 M_sun. Combined with the published stellar masses of the galaxies, estimated from dedicated fitting of their spectral energy distributions, the implied BH-to-stellar mass ratios are of order M_BH/M_host~0.1-1. This is considerably higher than what is found in the local Universe, but is consistent with the general trend seen in some other z > 5 AGN. Given the intrinsic weakness of the [Ne v] line and the nature of the [Ne v]-to-L_bol scaling, any (rare) detection of the [Ne v] $\lambda$3427 line at z > 5 would translate to similarly high AGN luminosities and SMBH masses, thus providing a unique observational path for studying luminous AGN well into the epoch of reionization, including obscured sources.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

BASS XLVIII: [Ne v] {\lambda}3427 Emission in Powerful Nearby Active Galactic Nuclei

We investigate the high-ionization, narrow [Ne v] $\lambda$3427 emission line in a sample of over 340 ultrahard X-ray (14-195 keV) selected Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) drawn from the BASS project. The analysis includes measurements in individual and stacked spectra, and considers several key AGN properties such as X-ray luminosity, supermassive black hole (SMBH) mass, Eddington ratios, and line-of-sight column density. The [Ne v] $\lambda$3427 line is robustly detected in ~43% (146/341) of the AGN in our sample, with no significant trends between the detection rate and key AGN/SMBH properties. In particular, the detection rate remains high even at the highest levels of obscuration (>70% for log[N_H/cm^-2] > 23). On the other hand, even some of our highest signal-to-noise spectra (S/N > 50) lack a robust [Ne v] detection. The typical (median) scaling ratios between [Ne v] line emission and (ultra-)hard X-ray emission in our sample are log L[Ne v]/L(14-150 keV) = -3.75 and log L[Ne v]/L(2-10 keV) = -3.36. The scatter on these scaling ratios, of ~0.5 dex, is comparable to, and indeed smaller than, what is found for other commonly used tracers of AGN radiative outputs (e.g., [O III] $\lambda$5007). Otherwise, we find no significant relations between the (relative) strength of [Ne v] and the basic AGN/SMBH properties under study, in contrast with simple expectations from models of SMBH accretion flows. Our results reaffirm the usability of [Ne v] as an AGN tracer even in highly obscured systems, including dual AGN and high redshift sources.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

BASS LII: The prevalence of double-peaked broad lines at low accretion rates among hard X-ray selected AGN

A fraction of active galactic nuclei (AGN) have double-peaked H$\alpha$, H$\beta$ and Mg II broad lines attributed to emission from rotating gas in the accretion disk. Using optical spectroscopy of a flux-limited sample of AGN selected via ultrahard X-rays from the BAT AGN Spectroscopic Survey (BASS), we systematically identify 71 double-peaked emitters amongst 343 broad-line AGN with redshifts $0.004<z<0.297$ and 2-10 KeV X-ray luminosities of log 40-45.7 (erg/s), and provide their best-fit accretion disk geometry parameters. We find that ~21% of X-ray selected broad-line AGN are double-peaked emitters (DPEs), consistent with rates previously reported for $z<0.2$ broad-line AGN selected for strong optical variability in ZTF. 11 of 71 DPEs (15%) exhibited a single-peaked Gaussian component to the broad line profile in addition to the double-peaked disk profile. In this sample, DPEs have intrinsically higher masses by ~0.4 dex and lower Eddington ratios by ~0.3 dex than other broad-line AGN, and have a preference for elliptical host galaxies, higher X-ray luminosities, and higher [OI] $\lambda$6302 to narrow H$\alpha$ flux ratios than other broad-line AGN. We find that DPEs are not segregated from other broad-line AGN in the $L_{\rm bol}$ vs $M_{\rm BH}$ relation or their X-ray to radio luminosity ratios, and do not show a preference for intermediate Seyfert types over Seyfert 1s. We do not find differences in a wide range of multi-wavelength properties when comparing DPEs to other broad-line AGN, including optical and mid-IR variability levels, and the rate of changing-look events. We discuss the two populations in the context of multi-component disk-wind models of the AGN broad line region and consider how unrecognized contributions of disk emission to the broad lines introduce biases in virial SMBH mass estimates.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

A big red dot at cosmic noon

We report the discovery of a little red dot (LRD), dubbed BiRD ('big red dot'), at $z=2.33$ in the field around the $z=6.3$ quasar SDSSJ1030+0524. Using NIRCam images, we identified it as a bright outlier in the $F200W-F356W$ color vs $F356W$ magnitude diagram of point sources in the field. The NIRCam/WFSS spectrum reveals the emission from HeI$\lambda 10830$ and PaG line, both showing a narrow and a broad ($FWHM\gtrsim 2000\ \rm kms^{-1}$) component. The HeI line is affected by an absorption feature, tracing dense gas with HeI column density in the $2^3S$ level $N\sim 0.5-1.2\times 10^{14}\rm cm^{-2}$, depending on the location of the absorber, which is outflowing at the speed of $\Delta v \sim -830\ \rm kms^{-1}$. As observed in the majority of LRDs, BiRD does not show X-ray or radio emission. The BH mass and the bolometric luminosity, both inferred from the PaG broad component, amount to $M_{\rm BH}\sim 10^8\rm M_{\odot}$ and $L_{\rm bol}\sim 2.9\times 10^{45}\rm ergs^{-1}$, respectively. Intriguingly, BiRD presents strict analogies with other two LRDs spectroscopically confirmed at cosmic noon, GN-28074 ("Rosetta Stone") at $z=2.26$ and RUBIES-BLAGN-1 at $z=3.1$. The blueshifted HeI absorption detected in all three sources suggests that gas outflows may be common in LRDs. We derive a first estimate of the space density of LRDs at $z<3$ based on JWST data, as a function of $L_{\rm bol}$ and BH mass. The space density is only a factor of $\sim 2-3$ lower than that of UV-selected quasars with comparable $L_{\rm bol}$ and $z$, meaning that the contribution of LRDs to the broader AGN population is also relevant at cosmic noon. A similar trend is also observed in terms of BH masses. If, as suggested by recent theories, LRDs probe the very first and rapid growth of black hole seeds, our finding may suggest that the formation of black hole seeds remains efficient at least up to cosmic noon.

astro-ph.GA↗