XRISM resolves magnetocentrifugal winds in NGC 4151 reaching escape velocity, directly linking AGN outflows to molecular gas depletion across the host galaxy
XRISM data on NGC 4151 demonstrate that magnetocentrifugal black-hole winds can eject the molecular gas reservoir of an entire galaxy on short timescales. This kinetic feedback channel was previously under-weighted in models because lower-resolution spectra could not isolate launch radii and velocities. Inclusion of the measured coupling efficiency revises downward the expected stellar mass in the most massive galaxies.
Next steps include coordinated XRISM–JWST–ALMA campaigns on a volume-limited sample of type-1 AGNs to test whether wind kinetic coupling efficiency scales with Eddington ratio above 0.05. If confirmed, the revised feedback prescription will lower predicted star-formation rates in massive halos by 30–50 percent at z < 1, tightening agreement with the observed bright end of the stellar mass function.
Miller/Xiang: ALMA CO(1-0) maps of five additional XRISM-observed AGNs will show molecular gas deficits exceeding 40 percent within 500 pc of the nucleus when wind velocity exceeds 0.15c, testable within 24 months.
Sources (2)
- [1]Primary Source(https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2026arXiv260618041X)
- [2]Supporting Source(https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-025-02731-9)