Extended narrow-line emission in the bright Seyfert 1.5 galaxy HE 2211-3903

Abstract

Extended narrow-line regions (ENLRs) and extended emission-line regions have been the focus of integral field spectroscopy aiming at the inner kiloparsecs of nearby Seyfert galaxies as well as the larger environment of high-redshift QSOs. Based on observations with the Wide Field Spectrograph at the 2.3 m telescope of the Australian National University, we present spatially resolved emission-line diagnostics of the bright Seyfert 1.5 galaxy HE 2211-3903 which is drawn from a sample of the brightest Seyfert galaxies at z < 0.06 with luminosities around the classical Seyfert/QSO demarcation. In addition to the previously known spiral arms of HE 2211-3903, the emission-line maps reveal a large-scale ring with a radius of about 6kpc which is connected to the active galactic nucleus (AGN) through a bar-like structure. The overall gas kinematics indicates a disk rotation pattern. The emission-line ratios show Seyfert-type, H II region-type, and composite classifications, while there is no strong evidence of LINER-type ratios. Shock ionization is likely to be negligible throughout the galaxy. The composite line ratios are explained via a mixing line between AGN and H II region photoionization. Composite line ratios are predominantly found in between the H II regions in the circum-nuclear region, the bar-like structure to the east of the nucleus, and the eastern half of the ring, suggesting AGN photoionization of the low-density interstellar medium in an ENLR on galaxy scales. The line ratios in the nucleus indicate N enrichment, which is discussed in terms of chemical enrichment by Wolf-Rayet and asymptotic giant branch stars during past and ongoing nuclear starburst activity.