Landing page for project EM174

We propose a deep, sensitive search for radio continuum (L-band) and molecular gas emission (K-band) at high spatial resolution from GN-z11 at z=10.6, found to host an active galactic nucleus (AGN) embedded in a dense gaseous medium. An AGN-driven, ionised-gas outflow has been detected in this source, signifying the role of AGN in early galaxy evolution. Since in the nearby Universe, cold gas forms the most massive component of AGN-driven outflows, we expect to detect the same in molecular gas in GN-z11. We also expect to detect a parsec scale, molecular gas circumnuclear disc feeding the AGN. Additionally, detection of a powerful radio AGN in this source, apart from having cosmological implications for studying intervening cold-gas islands in the epoch of reionisation, will also let us understand accretion physics at very high redshifts. First of its kind, this study will highlight the unique capability of EVN in providing the necessary high spatial resolution and frequency coverage to open a window onto the galaxy-assembly processes happening in the baby Universe. This will set a precedent for future studies on cold gas content, AGN feedback, and accretion physics.

This data is part of the archive of VLBI data maintained by JIVE on behalf of the EVN, a network of radio telescopes located primarily in Europe and Asia, with additional antennas in South Africa. The EVN archive itself has the DOI https://doi.org/10.17616/R3Z197