Different Dependence of Narrow Hα Line Luminosity on Optical Continuum Luminosity between Star-forming Galaxies and Type 2 Active Galactic Nuclei: Globally Negative AGN Feedback in Local Type 2 AGN?

Abstract

Abstract In this manuscript, clues are provided to support globally negative active galactic nuclei (AGN) feedback on star formation in the host galaxies of the local low-redshift Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Type 2 AGN, based on the different dependence of narrow Hα line luminosity L Hα on optical continuum luminosity λ L cont between star-forming galaxies and Type 2 AGN. Through the measured L Hα and λ L cont in SDSS star-forming galaxies, there is a strong linear correlation between λ L cont and L Hα , accepted as a standard correlation without the effects of AGN activity. Meanwhile, considering the apparent contribution of AGN activity to the narrow Hα line emissions in Type 2 AGN, the correlation between λ L cont and L Hα in the SDSS Type 2 AGN leads to a statistically lower L Hα in Type 2 AGN than in star-forming galaxies, with a significance level higher than 5σ, even after considering necessary effects (including effects of host galaxy properties), leading to the accepted conclusion on the globally negative AGN feedback in the local Type 2 AGN. Meanwhile, the properties of Dn(4000) and Hδ A can provide indirect clues to support the globally negative AGN feedback in local Type 2 AGN, due to older stellar ages in Type 2 AGN. Moreover, it is interesting to expect more than 50% narrow Hα emissions globally suppressed in the host galaxies of Type 2 AGN relative to the star-forming galaxies. The results not only support globally negative AGN feedback in local Type 2 AGN, but also show further clues on the quantification of suppressions of star formation by the globally negative AGN feedback.