SIMBAD references

2024A&A...685L..13P - Astronomy and Astrophysics, volume 685L13 (2024/5-1)

Extended high-ionization [Mg IV] emission tracing widespread shocks in starbursts seen by JWST/NIRSpec.

PEREIRA-SANTAELLA M., GARCIA-BERNETE I., GONZALEZ-ALFONSO E., ALONSO-HERRERO A., COLINA L., GARCIA-BURILLO S., RIGOPOULOU D., ARRIBAS S. and PERNA M.

Abstract (from CDS):

We report the detection of extended (> 0.5-1 kpc) high-ionization [Mg IV] 4.487 μm (80 eV) emission in four local luminous infrared galaxies observed with JWST/NIRSpec. Excluding the nucleus and outflow of the Type 1 active galactic nucleus (AGN) in the sample, we find that the [Mg IV] luminosity is well correlated with that of H recombination lines, which mainly trace star-forming clumps in these objects, and that the [Ar VI] 4.530 μm (75 eV), usually seen in AGN, is undetected. On 100-400 pc scales, the [Mg IV] line profiles are broader (σ([Mg IV]) = 90 ± 25 km s–1) and shifted (Δv up to ±50 km s–1) compared to those of the H recombination lines and lower ionization transitions (e.g., σ(Hu-12) = 57 ± 15 km s–1). The [Mg IV] kinematics follow the large-scale rotating velocity field of these galaxies, and the broad [Mg IV] profiles are compatible with the broad wings detected in the H recombination lines. Based on these observational results, extended highly ionized gas more turbulent than the ambient interstellar medium, possibly a result of ionizing shocks associated with star formation, is the most likely origin of the [Mg IV] emission. We also computed new grids of photoionization and shock models to investigate where the [Mg IV] line originates. Shocks with velocities of 100-130 km s–1 reproduce the observed line ratios and the [Mg IV] luminosity agrees with that expected from the mechanical energy released by supernove (SNe) in these regions. Therefore, these models support shocks induced by SNe as the origin of the [Mg IV] line. Future studies on the stellar feedback from SNe will benefit from the [Mg IV] line that is little affected by obscuration and, in the absence of an AGN, can only be produced by shocks due to its high ionization-potential.

Abstract Copyright: © The Authors 2024

Journal keyword(s): galaxies: active - galaxies: evolution - galaxies: starburst - infrared: ISM

Simbad objects: 5

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