Prediction of Merger Centroid Offsets Driven by AGN Jet Power - Weber

We present a theoretical prediction connecting Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) jet power to centroid offsets observed in galaxy mergers. Our analysis suggests that the dynamical displacement of merger centroids grows with AGN jet power according to a simple scaling relation: Δr∝Pjet1/3.\Delta r \propto P_{\rm jet}^{1/3}.Δr∝Pjet1/3. This relation predicts: Low-power Seyfert AGN (1041–104310^{41}–10^{43}1041–1043 erg/s) will induce offsets of order ~1–5 kpc. Intermediate-power radio galaxies (1044–104510^{44}–10^{45}1044–1045 erg/s) will drive offsets of ~10–50 kpc. High-power quasars (1046–104710^{46}–10^{47}1046–1047 erg/s) can produce offsets of ~100–300 kpc. Significance Provides a direct, testable scaling law linking AGN feedback energy to a measurable geometric displacement. Suggests that AGNs are not only sources of energetic outflows but also dynamical drivers of merger structure. Offers a new observational tracer: merger centroid offsets can be used to infer jet power, and vice versa. Testable with upcoming deep-imaging surveys (JWST, LSST, Euclid, SKA), which will be able to resolve AGN offsets in merging systems. Related Work This prediction builds on earlier work exploring AGN feedback and offsets: Cavaliere & D’Elia (2002), Heinz et al. (1998): frameworks for AGN feedback. Hopkins et al. (2006): merger-driven black hole and AGN co-evolution. Willott et al. (1999): jet power–radio luminosity relation. Comerford & Greene (2014): observational evidence of offset AGN in mergers. Conclusion This work provides a scalable theoretical framework for understanding how AGN jet activity contributes to large-scale structural displacements in galaxy mergers. It offers an accessible prediction for observers to test, potentially deepening our understanding of AGN feedback in galaxy evolution.