Fast Molecular Outflows in Luminous Galaxy Mergers: Evidence for Quasar Feedback from Herschel
read the original abstract
We report the results from a systematic search for molecular (OH-119 um) outflows with Herschel-PACS in a sample of 43 nearby (z < 0.3) galaxy mergers, mostly ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) and QSOs. We find that the character of the OH feature (strength of the absorption relative to the emission) correlates with that of the 9.7-um silicate feature, a measure of obscuration in ULIRGs. Unambiguous evidence for molecular outflows, based on the detection of OH absorption profiles with median velocities more blueshifted than -50 km/sec, is seen in 26 (70%) of the 37 OH-detected targets, suggesting a wide-angle (~145 degrees) outflow geometry. Conversely, unambiguous evidence for molecular inflows, based on the detection of OH absorption profiles with median velocities more redshifted than +50 km/sec, is seen in only 4 objects, suggesting a planar or filamentary geometry for the inflowing gas. Terminal outflow velocities of ~-1000 km/sec are measured in several objects, but median outflow velocities are typically ~-200 km s^{-1}. While the outflow velocities show no statistically significant dependence on the star formation rate, they are distinctly more blueshifted among systems with large AGN fractions and luminosities [log (L_AGN / L_sun) > 11.8 +/- 0.3]. The quasars in these systems play a dominant role in driving the molecular outflows. In contrast, the most AGN dominated systems, where OH is seen purely in emission, show relatively modest OH line widths, despite their large AGN luminosities, perhaps indicating that molecular outflows subside once the quasar has cleared a path through the obscuring material.
This paper has not been read by Pith yet.
Forward citations
Cited by 7 Pith papers
-
Hidden Monsters with SPHEREx I: A goldmine for heavily reddened quasars at cosmic noon
SPHEREx data confirm 77 new luminous heavily reddened quasars at 1.5<z<3.9 that are hot-dust poor relative to unobscured quasars, supporting a blow-out feedback phase.
-
Resolving the Multiphase Outflow, Shock Signatures, and PAHs in the AGN-Starburst Composite ULIRG F10565+2448 with JWST MIRI/MRS
JWST observations resolve multiphase nuclear and kpc-scale outflows with velocities up to 520 km/s and PAH property gradients in the AGN-starburst composite ULIRG F10565+2448.
-
Jet-driven shocks and turbulence in radio-loud Active Galactic Nuclei observed with JWST MIRI/MRS
JWST spectroscopy reveals radio jets in nearby AGN drive multiphase ISM turbulence and shock-dominated H2 excitation both along and perpendicular to the jet direction.
-
HI 21-cm absorption in low- and high-excitation radio-loud AGNs at $z<0.5$ from MALS
Five new HI 21-cm absorption detections in LERGs and HERGs at z<0.5 reveal disturbed gas kinematics with velocity offsets over 350 km/s and a 3% detection rate consistent with lower-redshift samples.
-
GOALS-JWST: Resolved multi-phase molecular gas in IRAS 20551-4250 using JWST and ALMA
Multi-phase molecular gas in IRAS20551-4250 is dominated by cold CO, shows UV-heated warm H2, tidal features from a merger, and no molecular outflows, consistent with ongoing star formation.
-
Jet-driven shocks and turbulence in radio-loud Active Galactic Nuclei observed with JWST MIRI/MRS
Radio jets drive shocks and turbulence in multiphase gas of nearby radio-loud AGN as mapped by JWST spectroscopy.
-
Massive black holes and their galaxies
A review summarizing detection methods, population statistics, and coevolution of supermassive black holes with host galaxies from early universe observations and simulations.
discussion (0)
Sign in with ORCID, Apple, or X to comment. Anyone can read and Pith papers without signing in.