A redline starburst: CO(2-1) observations of an Eddington-limited galaxy reveal star formation at its most extreme
We report observations of the CO(2-1) emission of SDSS J1506+54, a compact (r(e) approximate to 135 pc) starburst galaxy at z = 0.6. SDSS J1506+ 54 appears to be forming stars close to the limit allowed by stellar radiation pressure feedback models: the measured L-IR/L-CO' approximate to 1500 is one of the highest measured for any galaxy. With its compact optical morphology but extended low surface brightness envelope, post-starburst spectral features, high infrared luminosity (L-IR > 10(12.5) L-circle dot), low gas fraction (M-H2 /M-star approximate to 15%), and short gas depletion time (tens of Myr), we speculate that this is a feedback-limited central starburst episode at the conclusion of a major merger. Taken as such, SDSS J1504+54 epitomizes the brief closing stage of a classic model of galaxy growth: we are witnessing a key component of spheroid formation during what we term a "redline" starburst.
Item Type | Article |
---|---|
Keywords | galaxies: starburst, massive galaxies, active galactic nuclei, galaxies: evolution, luminous infrared galaxies, molecular gas, mergers, high-redshift, atomic line surveys, forming galaxies, galaxies: formation, radiation pressure, feedback |
Date Deposited | 15 May 2025 12:37 |
Last Modified | 30 May 2025 23:54 |
-
picture_as_pdf - 904915.pdf
-
subject - Draft Version