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This content will become publicly available on August 7, 2026

Title: Varstrometry for Off-nucleus and Dual Sub-Kpc AGN (VODKA): A Mix of Singles, Lenses, and True Duals at Cosmic Noon
Abstract Dual active galactic nuclei (AGNs), a phase in some galaxy mergers during which both central supermassive black holes (SMBHs) are active, are expected to be a key observable stage leading up to SMBH mergers. Constraining the population of dual AGNs in both the nearby and high-zUniverse has proven to be elusive until very recently. We present a multiwavelength follow-up campaign to confirm the nature of a sample of 20 candidate dual AGNs at cosmic noon (z ∼ 2) from the VODKA sample. Through a combination of Hubble Space Telescope and Very Large Array imaging, we refute the possibility of gravitational lensing in all but one target. We find evidence of dual AGNs in three systems, while seven exhibit a single AGN in galaxy pairs, through either strong radio emission or ancillary emission-line data. The remaining systems are confirmed as either quasar−star superpositions (seven) or nonlensed pairs (two) that require further investigations to establish AGN activity. Among the systems with radio detections, we find a variety of radio spectral slopes and UV/optical colors suggesting that our sample contains a range of AGN properties, from obscured radio-quiet objects to those with powerful synchrotron-emitting jets. This study presents one of the largest dedicated multiwavelength follow-up campaigns to date searching for dual AGNs at high redshift. We confirm several of the highest-zsystems at small physical separations, thus representing some of the most evolved dual-AGN systems at the epoch of peak quasar activity known to date.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2108162
PAR ID:
10633821
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
AAS Jounals
Date Published:
Journal Name:
The Astrophysical Journal
Volume:
989
Issue:
1
ISSN:
0004-637X
Page Range / eLocation ID:
112
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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