High-Resolution Ultraviolet Spectra of the Dwarf Seyfert 1 Galaxy NGC 4395: Evidence for Intrinsic Absorption

Abstract

We present ultraviolet spectra of the dwarf Seyfert 1 nucleus of NGC 4395, obtained with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) and the Hubble Space Telescope Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph at velocity resolutions of 7-15 km s^-1. We confirm our earlier claim of C IV absorption in low-resolution UV spectra and detect a number of other absorption lines with lower ionization potentials. In addition to the Galactic lines, we identify two kinematic components of absorption that are likely to be intrinsic to NGC 4395. We consider possible origins of the absorption, including the interstellar medium (ISM) of NGC 4395, the narrow-line region, the outflowing UV absorbers, and the X-ray ``warm absorbers.'' Component 1, at a radial velocity of -770 km s^-1 with respect to the nucleus, is only identified in the C IV λ1548.2 line. It most likely represents an outflowing UV absorber, similar to those seen in a majority of Seyfert 1 galaxies, although additional observations are needed to confirm the reality of this feature. Component 2, at -114 km s^-1, most likely arises in the ISM of NGC 4395; its ionic column densities cannot be matched by photoionization models with a power-law continuum. Our models of the highly ionized X-ray absorbers claimed for this active galactic nucleus indicate that they would have undetectable C IV absorption, but large O VI and H I columns should be present. We attribute our lack of detection of the O VI and Lyβ absorption from the X-ray absorbers to a combination of noise and dilution of the nuclear spectrum by hot stars in the large FUSE aperture.

Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS 5-26555 these observations are associated with proposal GO-9362. Also based on observations made with the NASA-CNES-CSA Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer. FUSE is operated for NASA by Johns Hopkins University under NASA contract NAS5-32985.