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At least 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

Blue compact dwarfs - Extreme dwarf irregular galaxies

Observational data on the most extreme members of the irregular dwarf (dI) galaxy class, the blue compact dwarfs (BCDs), are characterized, reviewing the results of recent investigations. The properties of the young stellar population, the ionized gas, the older star population, and the gas and dust of BCDs are contrasted with those of other dIs; BCD morphology is illustrated with sample images; and the value of BCDs (as nearby 'young' chemically unevolved galaxies) for studies of galaxy formation, galactic evolution, and starburst triggering mechanisms is indicated.

Thuan, Trinh X.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Large binocular telescope observations of new six compact star-forming galaxies with [Ne v ] λ3426 Å emission

ABSTRACT We report the discovery of [Ne v] λ3426 emission, in addition to He ii λ4686 emission, in six compact star-forming galaxies. These observations considerably increase the sample of eight such galaxies discovered earlier by our group. For four of the new galaxies, the optical observations are supplemented by near-infrared spectra. All galaxies, but one, have H ii regions that are dense, with electron number densities of ∼ 300–700 cm−3. They are all characterized by high H β equivalent widths EW(H β) ∼ 190–520 Å and high O32 = [O iii] λ5007/[O ii] λ3727 ratios of 10–30, indicating young starburst ages and the presence of high ionization radiation. All are low-metallicity objects with 12 + logO/H = 7.46–7.88. The spectra of all galaxies show a low-intensity broad component of the H α line and five of six objects show Wolf–Rayet features. Comparison with photoionization models shows that pure stellar ionization radiation from massive stars is not hard enough to produce such strong [Ne v] and He ii emission in our galaxies. The [Ne v] λ3426/He ii λ4686 flux ratio of ∼1.2 in J1222+3602 is consistent with some contribution of active galactic nucleus ionizing radiation. However, in the remaining five galaxies, this ratio is considerably lower, $\lesssim$ 0.4. The most plausible models are likely to be non-uniform in density, where He ii and [Ne v] lines are emitted in low-density channels made by outflows and illuminated by harder ionizing radiation from radiative shocks propagating through these channels, whereas [O iii] emission originates in denser regions exposed to softer stellar ionizing sources.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

NGC 6845 Revisited: Stellar Kinematics on the Early Type Member Galaxies

We observed the compact group of galaxies NGC 6845 with GMOS-S imaging and long-slit spectroscopy. The group itself is comprised of two spiral galaxies and two S0 galaxies, and shows signs of gravitational interaction among them. While the spiral galaxies have been already well studied, the two S0 galaxies have received little attention. We investigate the morphology and stellar kinematics of the two S0 galaxies in detail in order to derive the value for their mass and subsequently incorporate them into the mass model for the group. It was found that the internal kinematics of the largest S0 (NGC 6845 C) is mostly regular, while the smallest S0 (NGC 6845 D) shows some hint of interaction, most likely with NGC 6845 C and NGC 6845 A. The new determination of the dynamical mass of the group implies that the group mass has to be 10 times the combined mass of the individual members according to their internal kinematics. The results point to an early stage of the group interaction and also to the possibility that it has still not reached virial equilibrium. From the galaxy evolution viewpoint, this group represents an example of the case of the transformation of Spirals into S0 galaxies in dense environments.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1993

Kinematics of compact groups and morphologies of the member galaxies

We present the results of a kinematical and morphological study of galaxies in the Hickson compact groups. The redshift survey of 457 galaxies has been completed. The great majority of the galaxies have velocities within about 1000 km/s(exp -1) of the median velocity of the group. The velocities of the groups range from 1380 to 41731 km/s(exp -1) with a median of 8889 km/s(exp -1), corresponding to a median distance of 89 h(exp -1)Mpc. With the addition of the radial velocity selection criterion, a relatively large sample of physically dense compact groups was defined. The nature of the velocity dispersion-morphology relation (Hickson, Kindl and Huchra 1989, hereafter HKH) is investigated. This is the tendency of groups with high velocity dispersions to contain fewer late type galaxies. We find that this strong correlation is not due to any sample selection effects. The morphology concordance in compact groups (HKH), which is the trend for galaxies in a group to have similar morphological types, can be fully explained by the velocity dispersion-morphology correlation. A significant correlation is found between crossing time and the fraction of gas-rich galaxies in the groups. Groups with short crossing times typically contain fewer late-type galaxies. This may be evidence that significant dynamical evolution has occurred in these groups.

Mendesdeoliveira, Claudia↗
NASA NTRS2012

Very Massive Stars in the Primitive Galaxy, IZw 18

IZw 18 is a local blue, compact dwarf galaxy that meets the requirements for a primitive galaxy: low halo mass greater than 10(exp 9) Msun, strong photoionizing radiation, no galactic outflow, and very low metallicity,log(O/H)+12=7.2. We will describe the properties and evolutionary status of very massive stars in IZw 18, based on UV photometry of individual stars in I Zw 18 and analysis of unresolved ultraviolet spectra of IZw 18-NW obtained with HST.

Heap, Sara↗
DOE OSTI2021

J2229+2725: an extremely low metallicity dwarf compact star-forming galaxy with an exceptionally high [O iii ]λ5007/[O ii ]λ3727 flux ratio of 53

ABSTRACT Using the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT)/Multi-Object Dual Spectrograph (MODS), we have obtained optical spectroscopy of one of the most metal-poor dwarf star-forming galaxies (SFGs) in the local Universe, J2229+2725. This galaxy with a redshift z = 0.0762 was selected from the Data Release 16 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). Its properties derived from the LBT observations are most extreme among SFGs in several ways. Its oxygen abundance 12 + logO/H = 7.085 ± 0.031 is among the lowest ever observed for an SFG. With its very low metallicity, an absolute magnitude Mg = −16.39 mag, a low stellar mass M⋆ = 9.1 × 106 M⊙, and a very low mass-to-light ratio M⋆/Lg ∼ 0.0166 (in solar units), J2229+2725 deviates strongly from the luminosity–metallicity relation defined by the bulk of the SFGs in the SDSS. J2229+2725 has a very high specific star formation rate sSFR ∼ 75 Gyr−1, indicating very active ongoing star formation. Three other features of J2229+2725 are most striking, being the most extreme among lowest metallicity SFGs: (1) a ratio O32 = I([O iii]λ5007)/I([O ii]λ3727) ∼ 53, (2) an equivalent width of the H β emission line EW(H β) of 577 Å, and (3) an electron number density of ∼1000 cm−3. These properties imply that the starburst in J2229+2725 is very young. Using the extremely high O32 in J2229+2725, we have improved the strong-line calibration for the determination of oxygen abundances in the most metal-deficient galaxies, in the range 12 + logO/H $\lesssim$ 7.3.

Izotov, Y. I.↗
NASA NTRS2013

The Optical Green Valley Versus Mid-infrared Canyon in Compact Groups

Compact groups of galaxies provide conditions similar to those experienced by galaxies in the earlier universe. Recent work on compact groups has led to the discovery of a dearth of mid-infrared transition galaxies (MIRTGs) in Infrared Array Camera (3.6-8.0 micrometers) color space as well as at intermediate specific star formation rates. However, we find that in compact groups these MIRTGs have already transitioned to the optical ([g−r]) red sequence. We investigate the optical color-magnitude diagram (CMD) of 99 compact groups containing 348 galaxies and compare the optical CMD with mid-infrared (mid-IR) color space for compact group galaxies. Utilizing redshifts available from Sloan Digital Sky Survey, we identified new galaxy members for four groups. By combining optical and mid-IR data, we obtain information on both the dust and the stellar populations in compact group galaxies. We also compare with more isolated galaxies and galaxies in the Coma Cluster, which reveals that, similar to clusters, compact groups are dominated by optically red galaxies. While we find that compact group transition galaxies lie on the optical red sequence, LVL (Local Volume Legacy) + (plus) SINGS (Spitzer Infrared Nearby Galaxies Survey) mid-IR (infrared) transition galaxies span the range of optical colors. The dearth of mid-IR transition galaxies in compact groups may be due to a lack of moderately star-forming low mass galaxies; the relative lack of these galaxies could be due to their relatively small gravitational potential wells. This makes them more susceptible to this dynamic environment, thus causing them to more easily lose gas or be accreted by larger members.

X-rays: binaries↗
NASA NTRS1987

A statistical analysis of the Einstein normal galaxy sample. III - Radio and X-ray properties of elliptical and S0 galaxies

Radioastronomy, optical and X-ray data were used to probe the cause of high X-ray luminosities of 28 radio-quiet elliptical galaxies (RQE) and S0 galaxies previously scanned by the Einstein Observatory. Comparisons were made with similar data on double-lobed 3CR galaxies. Radio luminosities were highly correlated with the X-ray luminosities, agreeing with models of radio nuclear sources in early-type galaxies as accreting compact objects. Additionally, 3CR galaxies seemed to be large-scale versions of normal RQE. The significance of interstellar medium/intracluster medium interactions for high correlations between the core and total radio power from X-ray emitting galaxies is discussed.

Fabbiano, G.↗
NASA NTRS2013

What are the Progenitors of Compace, Massive, Quiescent Galaxies at z (equals) 2.3? The Population of Massive Galaxies at z (greater than) 3 From NMBS AND CANDELS

Using public data from the NEWFIRM Medium-Band Survey (NMBS) and the Cosmic Assembly Near-Infrared Deep Extragalactic Legacy Survey (CANDELS), we investigate the population of massive galaxies at z > 3. The main aim of this work is to identify the potential progenitors of z ∼ 2 compact, massive, quiescent galaxies (CMQGs), furthering our understanding of the onset and evolution of massive galaxies. Our work is enabled by high-resolution images from CANDELS data and accurate photometric redshifts, stellar masses, and star formation rates (SFRs) from 37-band NMBS photometry. The total number of massive galaxies at z > 3 is consistent with the number of massive, quiescent galaxies (MQGs) at z ∼ 2, implying that the SFRs for all of these galaxies must be much lower by z ∼ 2. We discover four CMQGs at z > 3, pushing back the time for which such galaxies have been observed. However, the volume density for these galaxies is significantly less than that of galaxies at z < 2 with similar masses, SFRs, and sizes, implying that additional CMQGs must be created in the intervening ∼1 Gyr between z = 3 and z = 2. We find five star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 3 that are compact (Re < 1.4 kpc) and have stellar mass M∗ > 1010.6M; these galaxies are likely to become members of the massive, quiescent, compact galaxy population at z ∼ 2. We evolve the stellar masses and SFRs of each individual z > 3 galaxy adopting five different star formation histories (SFHs) and studying the resulting population of massive galaxies at z = 2.3. We find that declining or truncated SFHs are necessary to match the observed number density of MQGs at z ∼ 2, whereas a constant delayed-exponential SFH would result in a number density significantly smaller than observed. All of our assumed SFHs imply number densities of CMQGs at z ∼ 2 that are consistent with the observed number density. Better agreement with the observed number density of CMQGs at z ∼ 2 is obtained if merging is included in the analysis and better still if star formation quenching is assumed to shortly follow the merging event, as implied by recent models of the formation of MQGs.

Massive↗
NASA NTRS1991

Compact starbursts in ultraluminous infrared galaxies

The 40 ultraluminous galaxies in the IRAS Bright Galaxy Sample of sources stronger than S = 5.24 Jy at lambda = 60 microns were mapped with approximately 0.25 arcsec resolution at 8.44 GHz. Twenty-five contain diffuse radio sources obeying the FIR-radio correlation; these are almost certainly starburst galaxies. Fourteen other galaxies have nearly blackbody FIR spectra with color temperatures between 60 and 80 K so their (unmeasured) FIR angular sizes must exceed approximately 0.25 arcsec, yet they contain compact (but usually resolved) radio sources smaller than this limit. The unique radio and FIR properties of these galaxies can be modeled by ultraluminous nuclear starbursts so dense that they 67 are optically thick to free-free absorption at about 1.49 GHz and dust absorption at about 25 microns. Only one galaxy (UGC 08058 = Mrk 231) is a dominated by a variable radio source too compact to be an ultraluminous starburst; it must be powered by a 'monster'.

Condon, J. J.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Wet compaction to a blue nugget: a critical phase in galaxy evolution

ABSTRACT We utilize high-resolution cosmological simulations to reveal that high-redshift galaxies tend to undergo a robust ‘wet compaction’ event when near a ‘golden’ stellar mass of $\sim \!\!10^{10}\, \rm M_\odot$ . This is a gaseous shrinkage to a compact star-forming phase, a ‘blue nugget’ (BN), followed by central quenching of star formation to a compact passive stellar bulge, a ‘red nugget’ (RN), and a buildup of an extended gaseous disc and ring. Such nuggets are observed at cosmic noon and seed today’s early-type galaxies. The compaction is triggered by a drastic loss of angular momentum due to, e.g. wet mergers, counter-rotating cold streams, or violent disc instability. The BN phase marks drastic transitions in the galaxy structural, compositional, and kinematic properties. The transitions are from star forming to quenched inside-out, from diffuse to compact with an extended disc or ring and a stellar envelope, from dark matter to baryon central dominance, from prolate to oblate stellar shape, from pressure to rotation support, from low to high metallicity, and from supernova to AGN feedback. The central black hole growth, first suppressed by supernova feedback when below the golden mass, is boosted by the compaction, and the black hole keeps growing once the halo is massive enough to lock in the supernova ejecta.

Lapiner, Sharon (ORCID:0009000409733232)↗
NASA NTRS2019

Correlation between SFR Surface Density and Thermal Pressure of Ionized Gas in Local Analogs of High-redshift Galaxies

We explore the relation between the star formation rate (SFR) surface density (integration of SFR) and the interstellar gas pressure for nearby compact starburst galaxies. The sample consists of 17 green peas and 19 Lyman break analogs (LBAs). Green peas are nearby analogs of Ly alpha emitters at high redshift and LBAs are nearby analogs of Lyman break galaxies at high redshift. We measure the sizes of green peas using Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Origins Spectrograph near-UV images with a spatial resolution of approximately 0.05 arcsec. We estimate the gas thermal pressure in H II regions by P equals N (sub total)Tk (sub B) approximately or equal to 2n (sub e)Tk (sub B). The electron density is derived using the [S II] doublet at 6716,6731 Angstroms and the temperature is calculated from the [O III] lines. The correlation is characterized by the integration of SFR equals 2.40 times 10 (sup -3) times solar mass per year per square kiloparsec times ((P divided by k (sub B)) divided by (10 ( sup 4) per cubic centimeter times K)) times (sup 1.33). Green peas and LBAs have high integration of SFR up to 1.2 solar masses per year per square kiloparsec and high thermal pressure in the H II region up to P divided by k (sub B) approximating 10 (sup 7.2) K cubic centimeters. These values are at the highest end of the range seen in nearby starburst galaxies. The high gas pressure and the correlation are in agreement with those found instar-forming galaxies at redshift approximating 2.5. These extreme pressures are shown to be responsible for driving galactic winds in nearby starbursts. These outflows may be crucial in enabling Ly alpha and Lyman-continuum to escape.

Galaxies: Evolution↗
NASA NTRS1994

HEAO 3 observations of the Galactic center 511 keV line

The existence of an intense narrow electron/position annihilation line from the direction of the Galactic center is unquestioned; however, the source of the positrons remains a mystery. It is believed the line emisssion has two components: one compact at or near the Galactic center, and the other extended in the equatorial plane of the Galaxy. A compact component is suggested by several reports of intensity variations, including one from our group based on HEAO 3 data. Since the original HEAO 3 analysis, our algorithms have been greatly improved and we have gained a much better understanding of systematic effects which could influence the results. Given the importance of the result and the significantly improved analysis techniques now avaiable, the data have been reanalyzed. For a single point source at the Galactic center, the revised line intensities are (1.25 +/- 0.18) x 10(exp -3) photons cm(exp -2) s(exp -1) for the fall of 1979 and (0.99 +/- 0.18) x 10(exp 3) photons cm(exp -2) x(exp -1) for the spring of 1980.

Mahoney, W. A.↗
DOE OSTI2022

The eROSITA Final Equatorial-Depth Survey (eFEDS)

Aims. The eROSITA Final Equatorial-Depth Survey (eFEDS), executed during the performance verification phase of the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma (SRG)/eROSITA telescope, was completed in November 2019. One of the science goals of this survey is to demonstrate the ability of eROSITA to detect samples of clusters and groups at the final depth of the eROSITA all-sky survey. Methods. Because of the sizeable (≈26" HEW FOV average) point-spread function of eROSITA, high-redshift clusters of galaxies or compact nearby groups hosting bright active galactic nuclei (AGN) can be misclassified as point sources by the source detection algorithms. A total of 346 galaxy clusters and groups in the redshift range of 0.1 < z < 1.3 were identified based on their red sequenc in the eFEDS point source catalog. Results. We examine the multiwavelength properties of these clusters and groups to understand the potential biases in our selection process and the completeness of the extent-selected sample. We find that the majority of the clusters and groups in the point source sample are indeed underluminous and compact compared to the extent-selected sample. Their faint X-ray emission, well below the flux limit of the extent-selected eFEDS clusters, and their compact X-ray emission are likely to be the main reason for this misclassification. In the sample, we confirm that 10% of the sources host AGN in their brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) through optical spectroscopy and visual inspection. By studying their X-ray, optical, infrared, and radio properties, we establish a method for identifying clusters and groups that host AGN in their BCGs. We successfully test this method on the current point source catalog through the Sloan Digital Sky Survey optical spectroscopy and find eight low-mass clusters and groups with active radio-loud AGN that are particularly bright in the infrared. They include eFEDS J091437.8+024558, eFEDS J083520.1+012516, and eFEDS J092227.1+043339 at redshifts 0.3-0.4. Conclusions. This study helps us to characterize and understand our selection process and assess the completeness of the eROSITA extent-selected samples. The method we developed will be used to identify high-redshift clusters, AGN-dominated groups, and low-mass clusters that are misclassified in the future eROSITA all-sky survey point source catalogs.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1986

The origin of dwarf galaxies, cold dark matter, and biased galaxy formation

A reexamination is conducted of the formation of dwarf, diffuse, metal-poor galaxies due to supernova-driven winds, in view of data on the systematic properties of dwarfs in the Local Group and Virgo Cluster. The critical condition for global gas loss as a result of the first burst of star formation is that the virial velocity lie below an approximately 100 km/sec critical value. This leads, as observed, to two distinct classes of galaxies, encompassing the diffuse dwarfs, which primarily originate from typical density perturbations, and the normal, brighter galaxies, including compact dwarfs, which can originate only from the highest density peaks. This furnishes a statistical biasing mechanism for the preferential formation of bright galaxies in denser regions, enhancing high surface brightness galaxies' clustering relative to the diffusive dwarfs.

Dekel, A.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Intragroup and Galaxy-linked Diffuse X-ray Emission In Hickson Compact Groups

Isolated compact groups (CGs) of galaxies present a range of dynamical states, group velocity dispersions, and galaxy morphologies with which to study galaxy evolution, particularly the properties of gas both within the galaxies and in the intragroup medium. As part of a large, multiwavelength examination of CGs, we present an archival study of diffuse X-ray emission in a subset of nine Hickson compact groups (HCGs) observed with the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. We find that seven of the groups in our sample exhibit detectable diffuse emission. However, unlike large-scale emission in galaxy clusters, the diffuse features in the majority of the detected groups are linked to the individual galaxies, in the form of both plumes and halos likely as a result of vigourous star formation or activity in the galaxy nucleus, as well as in emission from tidal features. Unlike previous studies from earlier X-ray missions, HCGs 31, 42, 59, and 92 are found to be consistent with the L(sub X-Tau) relationship from clusters within the errors, while HCGs 16 and 31 are consistent with the cluster L(sub X-sigma) relation, though this is likely coincidental given that the hot gas in these two systems is largely due to star formation. We find that L(sub X) increases with decreasing group Hi to dynamical-mass ratio with tentative evidence for a dependence in X-ray luminosity on Hi morphology whereby systems with intragroup Hi indicative of strong interactions are considerably more X-ray luminous than passively evolving groups. We also find a gap in the L(sub X) of groups as a function of the total group specific star formation rate. Our findings suggest that the hot gas in these groups is not in hydrostatic equilibrium and these systems are not low-mass analogs of rich groups or clusters, with the possible exception of HCG 62.

Desjardins, Tyler D.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Physically detached 'compact groups'

A small fraction of galaxies appear to reside in dense compact groups, whose inferred crossing times are much shorter than a Hubble time. These short crossing times have led to considerable disagreement among researchers attempting to deduce the dynamical state of these systems. In this paper, we suggest that many of the observed groups are not physically bound but are chance projections of galaxies well separated along the line of sight. Unlike earlier similar proposals, ours does not require that the galaxies in the compact group be members of a more diffuse, but physically bound entity. The probability of physically separated galaxies projecting into an apparent compact group is nonnegligible if most galaxies are distributed in thin filaments. We illustrate this general point with a specific example: a simulation of a cold dark matter universe, in which hydrodynamic effects are included to identify galaxies. The simulated galaxy distribution is filamentary and end-on views of these filaments produce apparent galaxy associations that have sizes and velocity dispersions similar to those of observed compact groups. The frequency of such projections is sufficient, in principle, to explain the observed space density of groups in the Hickson catalog. We discuss the implications of our proposal for the formation and evolution of groups and elliptical galaxies. The proposal can be tested by using redshift-independent distance estimators to measure the line-of-sight spatial extent of nearby compact groups.

Hernquist, Lars↗