JWST spectra of six z=5-9 galaxies show low-ionization covering fractions of 0.2-0.9 and diverse kinematics including blueshifted outflows, indicating heterogeneous multiphase ISM.
The Structure and Kinematics of the Circum-Galactic Medium from Far-UV Spectra of z~2-3 Galaxies
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abstract
We present new results on the kinematics and spatial distribution of metal-enriched gas within 125 kpc (physical) of Lyman Break galaxies at redshifts z~2-3. In particular, we demonstrate how rest-UV galaxy spectra can be used to obtain key spatial and spectral information more efficiently than possible with QSO sightlines. After recalibrating the measurement of galaxy systemic redshifts from their UV spectra, we investigate the kinematics of galaxy-scale outflows via the strong interstellar (IS) absorption and Lya emission lines (when present), as well as their dependence on other physical properties of the galaxies. We construct a sample of 512 close (1-15 arcsec) angular pairs of z~2-3 LBGs in which the spectra background galaxies probe the circumgalactic gas surrrounding those in the foreground. The close pairs, together with spectra of the foreground galaxies themselves, sample galactocentric impact parameters b=0-125 kpc (physical) at <z>=2.2. The ensemble provides a spatial map of cool gas as a function of galactocentric distance for a well-characterized population of galaxies. We propose a simple model that simultaneously matches the kinematics, depth, and profile shape of IS absorption and Lya emission lines, as well as the observed variation of absorption line strength (of HI, CII, CIV, SiII, SiIV) versus galactocentric impact parameter. We discuss the results of the observations in the context of "cold accretion", in which cool gas accretes via filamentary streams directly onto the central regions of galaxies. At present, we find little observational support for cool infalling material, whereas evidence supporting the large-scale effects of outflows is strong. Reconciling theory and observation on the subject of gas flows into and out of forming galaxies seems necessary.
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UNVERDICTED 6representative citing papers
A 4.5σ excess RM dispersion of 4.13 ± 0.91 rad m^{-2} is found in 191 Mg II sightlines versus controls, implying model-dependent CGM magnetic fields of 0.4-0.8 μG at projected radii 20-150 kpc and z~1.14.
Analysis of JWST/NIRSpec Prism spectra for 25 z>=10 galaxies finds burstiness correlates with strong UV lines, short depletion times, and DLA-induced redshift biases of 0.39 and 0.14 with marginal impact on UV luminosity density.
JWST spectra reveal that two z~7 galaxies already show near-solar iron-to-silicon ratios with no strong odd-even effect, favoring early Type Ia supernovae over pair-instability supernovae as the source of iron enrichment.
A bias-controlled quasar sample of ~2000 objects demonstrates that the X-ray-to-UV luminosity relation remains constant from redshift 0.7 to 5.
HST UV spectroscopy is presented as the unique tool for probing multiphase gas at the disk-CGM interface to understand how galaxies acquire fuel, recycle metals, and drive feedback.
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JWST absorption line spectroscopy with SPURS: ISM covering fractions and kinematics in individual galaxies at $z=5-9$
JWST spectra of six z=5-9 galaxies show low-ionization covering fractions of 0.2-0.9 and diverse kinematics including blueshifted outflows, indicating heterogeneous multiphase ISM.
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Magnetised CGM Gas at z~1 revealed by SPICE-RACS
A 4.5σ excess RM dispersion of 4.13 ± 0.91 rad m^{-2} is found in 191 Mg II sightlines versus controls, implying model-dependent CGM magnetic fields of 0.4-0.8 μG at projected radii 20-150 kpc and z~1.14.
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JWST spectroscopy of galaxies at $z>10$: Damped Ly$\alpha$ absorbers reveal efficient star formation and hidden redshift biases
Analysis of JWST/NIRSpec Prism spectra for 25 z>=10 galaxies finds burstiness correlates with strong UV lines, short depletion times, and DLA-induced redshift biases of 0.39 and 0.14 with marginal impact on UV luminosity density.
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JWST Absorption-Line Analysis of UV-Bright Galaxies at $z=7.2-10.6$: Early Chemical Enrichment Traced by C, O, Mg, Al, Si, and Fe
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The X-ray-to-UV relation does not evolve in homogeneous quasar samples
A bias-controlled quasar sample of ~2000 objects demonstrates that the X-ray-to-UV luminosity relation remains constant from redshift 0.7 to 5.
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Revealing Cosmic Ecosystems with the Hubble Space Telescope in 2030s and Beyond
HST UV spectroscopy is presented as the unique tool for probing multiphase gas at the disk-CGM interface to understand how galaxies acquire fuel, recycle metals, and drive feedback.