Hot DOGS and compact CONs - Physical conditions and chemistry of Molecular gas in galactic centers

Séminaire IPAG de Suzanne Aalto (Chalmers), jeudi 17 octobre 2013 à 11h00, IPAG seminar room

Molecular gas plays a fundamental role in feeding and regulating star formation and growth of supermassive black holes (SMBH) in galaxy nuclei and is therefore a primary evolutionary parameter in starburst and AGN activity. Probing the nature and evolution of the molecular interstellar medium requires tracers that penetrates vast columns of dust while enabling unique investigations of chemical and physical conditions in the molecular gas. In this talk I will present methods of studying galaxy evolution through using molecules as observational tools – exploiting their ability to trace dynamical, chemical and physical conditions. Key molecules in identifying the nature of buried activity and its evolution will be discussed. In particular vibrationally excited hot HCN towards dust obscured galaxies (DOGS) and compact obscured nuclei (CONs). I will also take a brief look at the cold molecular winds being driven by AGNs and starbursts. Recent ALMA and Herschel results will be presented and discussed with a focus on luminous AGN and starburst nuclei.