RADIOLIFE · Exploiting new radio telescopes to understand the role of AGN in galaxy evolution

An intricate interplay between various, and sometimes, competing processes, rules the formation of galaxies. Accretion of gas leads to the formation of new stars and the growth of the central massive black hole. In return, the energy released by these processes can drive strong outflows of gas, profoundly affecting the gaseous medium in and around a galaxy. This mechanism of energy feedback is now a key ingredient in models of structure formation. However, its implementation is still largely ad hoc and far from realistic..Observations of radio AGN suggest that this type of active nucleus can play an important role in feedback. Their large jets and lobes can efficiently couple with the ISM/IGM and transport energy to large distances, preventing gas from cooling and, therefore, providing a self-regulating mechanism for gas accretion.This proposal requests funding to set up a science team dedicated at explore the full impact of radio AGN on galaxy evolution. The possibility of making a major breakthrough in this field has become possible thanks to two new and revolutionary radio facilities becoming available in Europe: the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR), now in its commissioning phase, and the focal-plane array system Apertif to be installed starting 2013 on the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT). Both instruments use state-of-the-art technology and innovative approaches in all aspects of observing, calibration, processing and in the exploitation of radio data. They are among the most exciting pathfinders geared towards the realization of Square Kilometer Array (SKA).The scientific goals will be achieved by understanding the duty cycle of radio sources, i.e. how often the radio-loud phase appears in the life of a galaxy, and by quantifying their role in feedback effects by tracing massive gaseous outflows resulting from the impact of radio jets and lobes on the ISM/IGM of the host galaxy.