In-Depth Chandra Study of the AGN Feedback in Virgo Elliptical Galaxy M84

• Published in: The Astrophysical journal Vol. 686; no. 2; pp. 911 - 917
• Main Authors: Finoguenov, A, Ruszkowski, M, Jones, C, Brüggen, M, Vikhlinin, A, Mandel, E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago, IL IOP Publishing 20-10-2008; University of Chicago Press
• Subjects: Astronomy; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Active galaxies; galaxies: elliptical and lenticular, cD; Intergalactic matter; X-ray galaxies; Elliptical galaxies; Feedback; Active galaxy nuclei; X-rays: galaxies; Galaxy nuclei; Cosmic x-ray sources; intergalactic medium
• ISSN: 0004-637X; 1538-4357
• DOI: 10.1086/591662

Using deep Chandra observations of M84, we study the energetics of the interaction between the black hole and the interstellar medium of this early-type galaxy. We perform a detailed two-dimensional reconstruction of the properties of the X-ray-emitting gas using a constrained Voronoi tessellation method, identifying the mean trends and carrying out the fluctuation analysis of the thermodynamical properties of the hot ISM. In addition to the PV work associated with the bubble expansion, we identify and measure the wave energy associated with the mildly supersonic bubble expansion. We show that, depending on the age of the cavity and the associated wave, the waves can make a substantial contribution to the total energy release from the AGN. The energy dissipated in the waves tends to be concentrated near the center of M84 and in the direction perpendicular to the bubble outflow, possibly due to the interference of the waves generated by the expansion of northern and southern bubbles. We also find direct evidence for the escape of radio plasma from the ISM of the host galaxy into the intergalactic medium.