DOI

https://doi.org/10.48717/d456-3957

Project

EH039

Title

nuclear region NGC6240

Abstract

The merging galaxy NGC6240 hosts two radio nuclei embedded in large nuclear continuum structure. In our earlier EVN study, the radio SEDs of these nuclei were determined and suggested a clear signature of an AGN at the southern nucleus, while the more extended northern nucleus had a mixed AGN starburst signature. Earlier VLA and MERLIN observations revealed unresolved structures showing broad HI absorption lines indicating that ambient gas may be feeding the nuclei. Two bright radio sources (RS1,2) detected near the southern nucleus were initially interpreted as powerful supernovae but could well represent the lobes of a CSO. This proposal will follow up on our earlier studies using multi-band observations at L(21cm), C(6cm), and X-bands to determine more accurate SED signatures and to provide a clarification of the nature of the variable sources adjacent to the southern AGN. In addition, further study of the HI gas dynamics at each nucleus on scales of parsecs will improve on earlier lower resolution observations. EVN observations of the HI velocity fields with increasing sensitivity and angular resolutions would provide a first picture of the gas flows during an early stage of the merging process on scales of parsecs.