Abstract

COZIOL, R. et al. A mid infrared study of low-luminosity AGNs with WISE. Rev. mex. astron. astrofis [online]. 2014, vol.50, n.2, pp.255-270. ISSN 0185-1101.

Using data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) we show that the mid infrared (MIR) colors of low-luminosity AGNs (LLAGNs) are significantly different from those of post-asymptotic giant branch stars (PAGBs). This is due to a difference in the spectral energy distribution (SEDs), the LLAGNs showing a flat component due to an AGN. Consistent with this interpretation we show that in a MIR color-color diagram the LINERs and the Seyfert 2s follow a power law with specific colors that allow to distinguish them from each other, and from star forming galaxies, according to their present level of star formation. Based on this result we present a new diagnostic diagram in the MIR that confirms the classification obtained in the optical using standard diagnostic diagrams, clearly identifying LINERs and LLAGNs as genuine AGNs.

Keywords : galaxies [active]; infrared [galaxies].