Observational Tests of AGN Feedback: An Overview of Approaches and Interpretation

Observational Tests of AGN Feedback: An Overview of Approaches and Interpretation

11 Apr 2024 | Chris M. Harrison and Cristina Ramos Almeida
The article provides an overview of observational approaches to studying the feedback process of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) on their host galaxies and larger-scale environments. AGN feedback is a critical component in galaxy formation models, explaining the observed properties of galaxy populations. The authors highlight the need for a diverse set of observational studies due to the wide range of spatial, temporal, and temperature scales involved. They emphasize the importance of radio emission in identifying and characterizing feedback mechanisms, which can trace processes such as shocked interstellar medium driven by AGN outflows. The interpretation of observations in the context of theoretical models is challenging due to the complexity of the processes involved. The article discusses the multi-faceted approach to studying AGN feedback, including the demographics of AGN, the energy injection mechanisms, and the impact on the gas and star formation in host galaxies. It also addresses the challenges in connecting observed AGN populations to traditional feedback models and the importance of understanding the coupling between AGN energy and the multi-phase gas. The authors conclude by emphasizing the need for detailed observations of representative AGN samples to advance our understanding of AGN feedback.The article provides an overview of observational approaches to studying the feedback process of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) on their host galaxies and larger-scale environments. AGN feedback is a critical component in galaxy formation models, explaining the observed properties of galaxy populations. The authors highlight the need for a diverse set of observational studies due to the wide range of spatial, temporal, and temperature scales involved. They emphasize the importance of radio emission in identifying and characterizing feedback mechanisms, which can trace processes such as shocked interstellar medium driven by AGN outflows. The interpretation of observations in the context of theoretical models is challenging due to the complexity of the processes involved. The article discusses the multi-faceted approach to studying AGN feedback, including the demographics of AGN, the energy injection mechanisms, and the impact on the gas and star formation in host galaxies. It also addresses the challenges in connecting observed AGN populations to traditional feedback models and the importance of understanding the coupling between AGN energy and the multi-phase gas. The authors conclude by emphasizing the need for detailed observations of representative AGN samples to advance our understanding of AGN feedback.
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