Context. Most active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are radio quiet (RQ), with radio emission that may arise from star-formation activity, AGN-driven winds, weak jets, and coronal activity. Disentangling these mechanisms is challenging and requires detailed multi-wavelength investigations, but it is crucial for quantifying AGN feedback in galaxy evolution. Aims. We present a detailed radio investigation of 22 X-ray-selected AGNs in the Supermassive Black Hole Winds in X-Rays (SUBWAYS) sample (Lbol ≃ 1044.9 − 46.3 erg/s, z = 0.1–0.5), selected to systematically search for ultra-fast outflows (UFOs). The UFOs are detected in ∼30% of the targets, with measured velocities and kinetic luminosities, making the sample particularly well-suited for investigating the role and signatures of multi-scale outflows at different frequencies. Methods. We built the radio spectral energy distribution of the sources complementing our proprietary data, collected with the JVLA at 1.5 and 6 GHz, with images from LoTSS (145 MHz) and other publicly available radio surveys between 150 and 1400 MHz. We investigated the role and occurrence of the aforementioned mechanisms, with particular interest in outflows and their possible relation to UFOs. To achieve this, we combined information on spectral indices, luminosities, and morphologies of radio emission with properties derived in other wavebands, such as the star formation rate, the X-ray luminosity, the Eddington ratio, or the UFO kinetic luminosity. Results. All sources are detected and are mostly consistent with RQ AGNs. For ∼80% of the sources, the data suggest the presence of an outflow (wind or weak jet). Interestingly, our results indicate that AGNs with UFOs tend to have larger radio extension and a steep radio spectrum consistent with outflows. Moreover, the radio emission of the six UFO hosts is consistent with predictions from wind-driven shock models, possibly indicating a direct connection between the two phases. Alternatively, this may simply reflect physical conditions that favour the production of both phenomena.
Amenta, E., Brienza, M., Bruni, G., Brusa, M., Morganti, R., Panessa, F., et al. (2026). Supermassive Black Hole Winds in X-rays: SUBWAYS. ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS, 710, A295 [10.1051/0004-6361/202558621].
Supermassive Black Hole Winds in X-rays: SUBWAYS
Bianchi, S.;Gianolli, V. E.;La Franca, F.;Ricci, F.;
2026-01-01
Abstract
Context. Most active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are radio quiet (RQ), with radio emission that may arise from star-formation activity, AGN-driven winds, weak jets, and coronal activity. Disentangling these mechanisms is challenging and requires detailed multi-wavelength investigations, but it is crucial for quantifying AGN feedback in galaxy evolution. Aims. We present a detailed radio investigation of 22 X-ray-selected AGNs in the Supermassive Black Hole Winds in X-Rays (SUBWAYS) sample (Lbol ≃ 1044.9 − 46.3 erg/s, z = 0.1–0.5), selected to systematically search for ultra-fast outflows (UFOs). The UFOs are detected in ∼30% of the targets, with measured velocities and kinetic luminosities, making the sample particularly well-suited for investigating the role and signatures of multi-scale outflows at different frequencies. Methods. We built the radio spectral energy distribution of the sources complementing our proprietary data, collected with the JVLA at 1.5 and 6 GHz, with images from LoTSS (145 MHz) and other publicly available radio surveys between 150 and 1400 MHz. We investigated the role and occurrence of the aforementioned mechanisms, with particular interest in outflows and their possible relation to UFOs. To achieve this, we combined information on spectral indices, luminosities, and morphologies of radio emission with properties derived in other wavebands, such as the star formation rate, the X-ray luminosity, the Eddington ratio, or the UFO kinetic luminosity. Results. All sources are detected and are mostly consistent with RQ AGNs. For ∼80% of the sources, the data suggest the presence of an outflow (wind or weak jet). Interestingly, our results indicate that AGNs with UFOs tend to have larger radio extension and a steep radio spectrum consistent with outflows. Moreover, the radio emission of the six UFO hosts is consistent with predictions from wind-driven shock models, possibly indicating a direct connection between the two phases. Alternatively, this may simply reflect physical conditions that favour the production of both phenomena.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
