Study of Central Intensity Ratio of Seyfert Galaxies in Nearby Universe

Abstract

Abstract We use the recently discovered simple photometric parameter Central Intensity Ratio (CIR) determined for a sample of 57 nearby (z < 0.02) Seyfert galaxies to explore the central features of galaxies and their possible connection with galaxy evolution. The sample of galaxies shows strong anti-correlation between CIR and mass of their central supermassive black holes (SMBHs). The SMBH masses of ellipticals are systematically higher for a given CIR value than those for lenticulars and spirals in the sample. However, the correlation between CIR and central velocity dispersion is weak. CIR appears less influenced by the excess flux produced by the central engine in these galaxies, when compared to spectroscopic parameters like velocity dispersion and O iv flux, and proves to be a fast and reliable tool for estimating central SMBH mass.