Deficiency of broad-line AGNs in compact groups of galaxies

Based on a new survey of AGN activity in compact groups of galaxies, we report a remarkable deficiency of broad-line AGNs as compared to narrow-line AGNs. The cause of such deficiency could be related to the average low luminosity of AGNs in CGs: 10(39)ergs s(-1). This result may imply lower accretion rates in CG AGNs, making broad-line regions (BLRs) undetectable, or may indicate a genuine absence of BLRs. Both phenomena are consistent with gas stripping through tidal interaction and dry mergers.