Optically faint radio sources: reborn AGN?

M. E. Filho, J. Brinchmann, C. Lobo, S. Antón

Abstract
We have discovered eight relatively strong radio sources that have no optical counterparts. A NIR follow-up has detected faint (17–20 mag) host galaxies in all targets. In general, the radio properties are similar to those observed in 3CRR sources but the optical-radio slopes are consistent with moderate to high redshift (z < 4) GHz-peaked spectrum sources. Our results suggest that these are galaxies whose black hole has been recently re-ignited into activity but that retain large-scale radio structures, signatures of previous AGN activity.

The Spectral Energy Distribution of Galaxies
Proceedings IAU Symposium No. 284
(Eds.) R. J. Tuffs, C. C. Popescu

Cambridge University Press
Vol. 7, Page 231
2012

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