Jet-induced star formation in Seyfert galaxies unveiled through radio-UV correlations

During the course of MERLIN L-band observations of the compact galaxy group, Stephan's Quintet, we found that the Seyfert 2 galaxy, NGC 7319, the brightest member of the compact group, has a triple radio structure typical of many extra-galactic radio sources which have a flat spectrum core and two steep spectrum lobes with hot spots. The two lobes are asymmetrically distributed on opposite sides of the core along the minor axis of the galaxy. Ultraviolet emission revealed in a high resolution HRC/ACS HST image is strongly aligned with the radio plasma and we interpret the intense star formation in the core and north lobe as an event induced by the collision of the north radio jet with over-dense ambient material. In addition, a re-mapping of archive VLA L-band observations reveals more extended emission along the major axis of the galaxy which is aligned with the optical axis. Images formed from the combined MERLIN and archive VLA data reveal more detailed structure of the two lobes and hot spots. NGC 7319 is the first example of jet induced star formation in a Seyfert galaxy unveiled through radio/UV correlations. Using high resolution HST ACS/HRC near-UV (F330W) images, and their corresponding published radio maps, we have identified a number of other possible jet-induced star formation Seyfert galaxies candidates.