| Abstract |
We discuss ongoing studies of a sample of E+A galaxies that are largely
optically quiet but for which radio data demonstrate, or strongly
indicate, the presence of a low-luminosity buried AGN. Conventionally,
radio emission in E+A galaxies is used as a measure of current, possibly
optically obscured, star formation. However, recent VLA observations
show that several of our objects contain confirmed, or highly likely,
variable radio point sources and/or large scale extended radio lobes
reminiscent of powerful radio galaxies. Many of these E+A galaxies show
morphological evidence of mergers or significant interactions. Has the
AGN lasted at a low luminosity since the previous major epoch of star
formation > 100 Myr years ago, or have smaller-scale and more recent
star formation episodes occurred which might have reenergized the
central black hole? To investigate the potential connection between AGN
activity and star formation history in these galaxies, we are pursuing a
vigorous observing campaign on the WIYN telescope including deep optical
spectra obtained with the Sparsepak IFU and near infrared images from
WHIRC. For example, a combination of deep exposures and wide spectral
coverage will allow us to trace the age and metallicity history of the
stars in different parts of these galaxies since the beginning of the
merger/major interaction. |