The Connection between Mergers and AGN Activity in Simulated and Observed Massive Galaxies

We analyze a suite of $30$ high resolution zoom-in cosmological hydrodynamic simulations of massive galaxies with stellar masses $M_{\ast} > 10^{10.9} M_\odot$, with the goal of better understanding merger activity in AGN, AGN activity in merging systems, SMBH growth during mergers, and the role of gas content. Using the radiative transfer code \textsc{Powderday}, we generate HST-WFC3 F160W mock observations of redshift $0.5 10^{45}$ erg s$^{-1})$ AGN in our sample are no more likely than inactive galaxies $(L_{\rm bol} $1:4) do not necessarily enhance AGN activity or significantly grow the central SMBH. We conclude that in the simulated massive galaxies studied here, mergers are not the primary drivers of AGN.