On the nature and implications of starburst-driven galactic superwinds

Journal Article · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Astrophysical Journal, Supplement Series; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/191522· OSTI ID:6104298

Heckman, T M; Armus, L; Miley, G K ^[1]

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1. Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD (USA) Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD (USA) Leiden Rijksuniversiteit, Sterrewacht (Netherlands)

Optical spectroscopic data are presented on the ionized nebulae associated with 14 galaxies that are strong far-IR emitters. It is found that the data provide both qualitative and quantitative support for the superwind model in which the kinetic energy provided by SNe and winds from massive stars in a central starburst drives a large-scale outflow that can shock heat and accelerate ambient interstellar and circumgalactic gas. Clear kinematic signatures of an outflow along the galaxy's minor axis are found for the three nearest far-IR galaxies (FIRGs). The FIRG nebulae are highly overpressured relative to the Galactic ISM, with the pressure dropping systematically with distance from the nucleus. Superwinds are energetically adequate to power both the observed optical and X-ray nebulae, and the relative emission-line intensities and their radial variations are consistent with ionization by wind-driven shocks, but not with photoionization by normal O stars or an AGN. The possible astrophysical implications of superwinds are discussed. 158 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6104298
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal, Supplement Series; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal, Supplement Series; (USA) Vol. 74; ISSN APJSA; ISSN 0067-0049
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COSMIC GASES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EMISSION SPECTROSCOPY
ENERGY
ERUPTIVE VARIABLE STARS
FAR INFRARED RADIATION
FLUID FLOW
FLUIDS
GALAXIES
GALAXY NUCLEI
GAS FLOW
GASES
HEATING
INFRARED RADIATION
INTERGALACTIC SPACE
INTERSTELLAR SPACE
IONIZATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
KINETIC ENERGY
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MORPHOLOGY
NEBULAE
PRESSURE EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
SPACE
SPECTRA
SPECTROSCOPY
STARS
STELLAR ACTIVITY
STELLAR WINDS
SUPERNOVAE
VARIABLE STARS
VISIBLE SPECTRA
X RADIATION