skip to main content
US FlagAn official website of the United States government
dot gov icon
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
https lock icon
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Explore Research Products in the PAR
It may take a few hours for recently added research products to appear in PAR search results.


Title: Kinematics, Structure, and Mass Outflow Rates of Extreme Starburst Galactic Outflows
Abstract We present results on the properties of extreme gas outflows in massive (M*∼ 1011M⊙), compact, starburst (star formation rate, SFR∼ 200M⊙yr−1) galaxies atz= 0.4–0.7 with very high star formation surface densities (ΣSFR∼ 2000M⊙yr−1kpc−2). Using optical Keck/HIRES spectroscopy of 14 HizEA starburst galaxies, we identify outflows with maximum velocities of 820–2860 km s−1. High-resolution spectroscopy allows us to measure precise column densities and covering fractions as a function of outflow velocity and characterize the kinematics and structure of the cool gas outflow phase (T∼ 104K). We find substantial variation in the absorption profiles, which likely reflects the complex morphology of inhomogeneously distributed, clumpy gas and the intricacy of the turbulent mixing layers between the cold and hot outflow phases. There is not a straightforward correlation between the bursts in the galaxies’ star formation histories and their wind absorption line profiles, as might naively be expected for starburst-driven winds. The lack of strong Mgiiabsorption at the systemic velocity is likely an orientation effect, where the observations are down the axis of a blowout. We infer high mass outflow rates of ∼50–2200M⊙yr−1, assuming a fiducial outflow size of 5 kpc, and mass loading factors ofη∼ 5 for most of the sample. While these values have high uncertainties, they suggest that starburst galaxies are capable of ejecting very large amounts of cool gas that will substantially impact their future evolution.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1814159
PAR ID:
10494311
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
The Astrophysical Journal
Date Published:
Journal Name:
The Astrophysical Journal
Volume:
949
Issue:
1
ISSN:
0004-637X
Page Range / eLocation ID:
9
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
More Like this
  1. ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; et al (, The Astrophysical Journal)
    Abstract High-velocity outflows are ubiquitous in compact, massive (M*∼ 1011M⊙),z∼ 0.5 galaxies with extreme star formation surface densities (ΣSFR∼ 2000M⊙yr−1kpc−2). We have previously detected and characterized these outflows using Mgiiabsorption lines. To probe their full extent, we present Keck/KCWI integral field spectroscopy of the [Oii] and Mgiiemission nebulae surrounding all of the 12 galaxies in this study. We find that [Oii] is more effective than Mgiiin tracing low surface brightness, extended emission in these galaxies. The [Oii] nebulae are spatially extended beyond the stars, with radial extentR90between 10 and 40 kpc. The nebulae exhibit nongravitational motions, indicating galactic outflows with maximum blueshifted velocities ranging from −335 to −1920 km s−1. The outflow kinematics correlate with the bursty star formation histories of these galaxies. Galaxies with the most recent bursts of star formation (within the last <3 Myr) exhibit the highest central velocity dispersions (σ≳ 400 km s−1), while the oldest bursts have the lowest-velocity outflows. Many galaxies exhibit both high-velocity cores and more extended, slower-moving gas indicative of multiple outflow episodes. The slower, larger outflows occurred earlier and have decelerated as they propagate into the circumgalactic medium and mix on timescales ≳50 Myr. 
    more » « less
  2. ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; et al (, The Astrophysical Journal)
    Abstract The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is home to many Hiiregions, which may lead to significant outflows. We examine the LMC’s multiphase gas (T∼104-5K) in Hi, Sii, Siiv, and Civusing 110 stellar sight lines from the Hubble Space Telescope’s Ultraviolet Legacy Library of Young Stars as Essential Standards program. We develop a continuum fitting algorithm based on the concept of Gaussian process regression and identify reliable LMC interstellar absorption overvhelio= 175–375 km s−1. Our analyses show disk-wide ionized outflows in Siivand Civacross the LMC with bulk velocities of ∣vout, bulk∣ ∼ 20–60 km s−1, which indicates that most of the outflowing mass is gravitationally bound. The outflows’ column densities correlate with the LMC’s star formation rate surface densities (ΣSFR), and the outflows with higher ΣSFRtend to be more ionized. Considering outflows from both sides of the LMC as traced by Civ, we conservatively estimate a total outflow rate of M ̇ out ≳ 0.03 M ⊙ yr − 1 and a mass-loading factor ofη≳ 0.15. We compare the LMC’s outflows with those detected in starburst galaxies and simulation predictions, and find a universal scaling relation of ∣ v out , bulk ∣ ∝ Σ SFR 0.23 over a wide range of star-forming conditions (ΣSFR∼ 10−4.5–102M⊙yr−1kpc−2). Lastly, we find that the outflows are corotating with the LMC’s young stellar disk and the velocity field does not seem to be significantly impacted by external forces; we thus speculate on the existence of a bow shock leading the LMC, which may have shielded the outflows from ram pressure as the LMC orbits the Milky Way. 
    more » « less
  3. ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; et al (, The Astrophysical Journal)
    Abstract Dual quasars—two active supermassive black holes at galactic scales—represent crucial objects for studying the impact of galaxy mergers and quasar activity on the star formation rate (SFR) within their host galaxies, particularly at cosmic noon when SFR peaks. We present JWST/MIRI mid-infrared integral field spectroscopy of J074922.96+225511.7, a dual quasar with a projected separation of 3.8 kpc at a redshiftz= 2.17. We detect spatially extended [Feii] 5.34μm and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) 3.3μm emissions from the star formation activity in its host galaxy. We derive the SFR of 103.0±0.2M⊙yr−1using PAH 3.3μm, which is 5 times higher than that derived from the knee of the infrared luminosity function for galaxies atz∼ 2. While the SFR of J0749+2255 agrees with that of star-forming galaxies of comparable stellar mass at the same redshifts, its molecular gas content falls short of expectations based on the molecular Kennicutt–Schmidt law. This discrepancy may result from molecular gas depletion due to the longer elevated stage of star formation, even after the molecular gas reservoir is depleted. We do not observe any quasar-driven outflow that impacts PAH and [Feii] in the host galaxy based on the spatially resolved maps. From the expected flux in PAH-based star formation, the [Feii] line likely originates from the star-forming regions in the host galaxy. Our study highlights the extreme stardust nature of J0749+2255, indicating a potential connection between the dual quasar phase and intense star formation activities. 
    more » « less
  4. ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; et al (, The Astrophysical Journal Letters)
    Abstract The baryon cycle is crucial for understanding galaxy formation, as gas inflows and outflows vary throughout a galaxy’s lifetime and affect its star formation rate. Despite the necessity of accretion for galaxy growth at high redshifts, direct observations of inflowing gas have proven elusive, especially atz ≳ 2. We present a spectroscopic analysis of a galaxy at redshiftz= 2.45, which exhibits signs of inflow in several ultraviolet interstellar absorption lines, with no clear outflow signatures. The absorption lines are redshifted by ∼250 km s−1with respect to the systemic redshift, and Civshows a prominent inverse P-Cygni profile. Simple stellar population models suggest that this galaxy has a low metallicity (∼5% solar), with a very young starburst of age ∼4 Myr dominating the ultraviolet luminosity. The gas inflow velocity and nebular velocity dispersion suggest an approximate halo mass of order ∼1011M⊙, a regime in which simulations predict that bursty star formation is common at this redshift. We conclude that this system is likely in the beginning of a cycle of bursty star formation, where inflow and star formation rates are high, but where supernovae and other feedback processes have not yet launched strong outflows. In this scenario, we expect the inflow-dominated phase to be observable (e.g., with net redshifted interstellar medium absorption) for only a short timescale after a starburst onset. This result represents a promising avenue for probing the full baryon cycle, including inflows, during the formative phases of low-mass galaxies at high redshifts. 
    more » « less
  5. ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; et al (, The Astrophysical Journal)
    Abstract We present results on the nature of extreme ejective feedback episodes and the physical conditions of a population of massive ( M * ∼ 10 11 M ⊙ ), compact starburst galaxies at z = 0.4–0.7. We use data from Keck/NIRSPEC, SDSS, Gemini/GMOS, MMT, and Magellan/MagE to measure rest-frame optical and near-IR spectra of 14 starburst galaxies with extremely high star formation rate surface densities (mean Σ SFR ∼ 2000 M ⊙ yr −1 kpc −2 ) and powerful galactic outflows (maximum speeds v 98 ∼ 1000–3000 km s −1 ). Our unique data set includes an ensemble of both emission ([O ii] λλ 3726,3729, H β , [O iii] λλ 4959,5007, H α , [N ii] λλ 6549,6585, and [S ii] λλ 6716,6731) and absorption (Mg ii λλ 2796,2803, and Fe ii λ 2586) lines that allow us to investigate the kinematics of the cool gas phase ( T ∼ 10 4 K) in the outflows. Employing a suite of line ratio diagnostic diagrams, we find that the central starbursts are characterized by high electron densities (median n e ∼ 530 cm −3 ), and high metallicity (solar or supersolar). We show that the outflows are most likely driven by stellar feedback emerging from the extreme central starburst, rather than by an AGN. We also present multiple intriguing observational signatures suggesting that these galaxies may have substantial Lyman continuum (LyC) photon leakage, including weak [S ii] nebular emission lines. Our results imply that these galaxies may be captured in a short-lived phase of extreme star formation and feedback where much of their gas is violently blown out by powerful outflows that open up channels for LyC photons to escape. 
    more » « less
  • Citation Formats
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago
  • BibTeX
  • Text Encoded Conversion
  • XML
  • Save / Share this Record
  • Send to Email