Electron temperature fluctuations in Seyfert galaxies

Abstract

We use Gemini GMOS-IFU observations of three luminous nearby Seyfert galaxies (Mrk 79, Mrk 348 and Mrk 607) to estimate the electron temperature (Te) fluctuations in the inner 0.4–1.1 kpc region of these galaxies. Based on Te determinations through the [O iii](λ4959+λ5007)/λ4363 emission line ratio of each spaxel, temperature variations are quantified by computing the integrated value of the temperature fluctuation parameter (t) projected in the plane of the sky tA, for the first time in Active Galactic Nuclei. We find t 2 A values of 0.135, 0.039, and 0.015 for Mrk 79, Mrk 348, and Mrk 607, respectively, which are of the same order or larger than the maximum values reported in starforming regions and planetary nebulae. Taking into account that tA should be considered a lower limit of the total t 2 in the nebular volume, the results suggest that the impact of such fluctuations on chemical abundance determinations can be important in some AGNs.