arXiv subjects

Angel R. Lopez-Sanchez

Publications and source records attributed to Angel R. Lopez-Sanchez.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2010

Massive star formation in Wolf-Rayet galaxies. V: Star formation rates, masses and the importance of galaxy interactions

(Abridged) We have performed a comprehensive analysis of a sample of 20 starburst galaxies, most of them classified as Wolf-Rayet galaxies. In this paper, the last of the series, we analyze the global properties of our galaxy sample using multiwavelength data (X-ray, FUV, optical, NIR, FIR, and radio). The agreement between our Ha-based SFR and those provided by indicators at other wavelengths is remarkable, but we consider that the new Ha-based calibration provided by Calzetti et al. (2007) should be preferred over older calibrations. The FUV-based SFR provides a powerful tool to analyze the star-formation activity in both global and local scales independently to the Ha emission. We provide empirical relationships between the ionized gas mass, neutral gas mass, dust mass, stellar mass, and dynamical mass with the B-luminosity. Although all mass estimations increase with increasing luminosity, we find important deviations to the general trend in some objects, that seem to be consequence of their particular evolutionary histories. We investigate the mass-metallicity relations and conclude that both the nature and the star-formation history are needed to understand the relationships between both properties. The majority of the galaxies follow a Schmidt-Kennicutt scaling law of star-formation that agrees with that reported in individual star-forming regions within M~51 but not with that found in normal spiral galaxies. We found a relation between the reddening coefficient and the warm dust mass indicating that the extinction is mainly internal to the galaxies. Considering all data, we found that 17 up to 20 galaxies are clearly interacting or merging with low-luminosity dwarf objects or HI clouds. We conclude that interactions do play a fundamental role in the triggering mechanism of the strong star-formation activity observed in dwarf starburst galaxies.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2010

Massive star formation in Wolf-Rayet galaxies: IV b. Using empirical calibrations to compute the oxygen abundance

We have performed a comprehensive multiwavelength analysis of a sample of 20 starburst galaxies that show a substantial population of very young massive stars, most of them classified as Wolf-Rayet (WR) galaxies. We have analysed optical/NIR colours, physical and chemical properties of the ionized gas, stellar, gas and dust content, star-formation rate and interaction degree (among many other galaxy properties) of our galaxy sample using multi-wavelength data. We compile 41 independent star-forming regions --with oxygen abundances between 12+log(O/H) = 7.58 and 8.75--, of which 31 have a direct estimate of the electron temperature of the ionized gas. This paper, only submitted to astro-ph, compiles the most common empirical calibrations to the oxygen abundance, and presents the comparison between the chemical abundances derived in these galaxies using the direct method with those obtained through empirical calibrations, as it is published in Lopez-Sanchez & Esteban (2010b). We find that (i) the Pilyugin method (Pilyugin 2001a,b; Pilyugin & Thuan 2005) which considers the R23 and the P parameters, is the best suited empirical calibration for these star-forming galaxies, (ii) the relations between the oxygen abundance and the N2 or the O3N2 parameters provided by Pettini & Pagel (2004) give acceptable results for objects with 12+log(O/H)>8.0, and (iii) the results provided by empirical calibrations based on photoionization models (McGaugh, 1991; Kewley & Dopita, 2002; Kobulnicky & Kewley, 2004) are systematically 0.2 -- 0.3 dex higher than the values derived from the direct method. These differences are of the same order that the abundance discrepancy found between recombination and collisionally excited lines. This may suggest the existence of temperature fluctuations in the ionized gas, as exists in Galactic and other extragalactic HII regions.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2010

Massive star formation in Wolf-Rayet galaxies. III: Analysis of the O and WR populations

(Abridged) We perform a comprehensive multiwavelength analysis of a sample of 20 starburst galaxies that show the presence of a substantial population of Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars. In this paper we present the analysis of the O and WR star populations. We study the spatial localization of the WR-rich clusters via the detection of the blue WR bump (broad He II 4686) and the red WR bump (broad C IV 5808). We perform a detailed fitting of the nebular and broad emission lines within these broad features and derive the numbers of WN, WC and O stars using (i) the standard assumption of constant WR luminosities and (ii) considering metallicity-dependent WR luminosities. We then compare our results with the predictions given by evolutionary synthesis models and with previous empirical results. Aperture effects and the exact positioning of the slit onto the WR-rich bursts play a fundamental role in their detection. As expected, the total number of WR stars increases with increasing metallicity, but objects with 12+log(O/H)<8.2 show a rather constant WR/(WR+O) ratio. The computed WCE/WNL ratios are different than those empirically found in nearby star-forming galaxies, indicating that the observed galaxies are experiencing a strong and very short burst. Considering metallicity-dependent WR luminosities, our data agree with a Salpeter-like IMF in all regimes. We consider that the contribution of the WCE stars is not negligible at low metallicities. Although available models reproduce fairly well the WR properties at high metallicities, new evolutionary synthesis models for young starbursts including all involved parameters (age, metallicity, star-formation history, IMF and WR stars properties such as metallicity-dependent WR luminosities, stellar rotation and the WR binnary channel) are absolutely needed to perform an appropriate comparison with the observational data.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2010

Massive star formation in Wolf-Rayet galaxies. IV: Colours, chemical composition analysis and metallicity-luminosity relations

(Abridged) We performed a multiwavelength analysis of a sample of starburst galaxies that show the presence of a substantial population of very young massive (WR) stars. Here we present the global analysis of the derived photometric and chemical properties. We compare optical/NIR colours and the physical properties (reddening coefficient, equivalent widths of the emission and underlying absorption lines, ionization degree, electron density, and electron temperature) and chemical properties with previous observations and galaxy evolution models. Attending to their absolute B-magnitude many of them are not dwarf galaxies, but they should be during their quiescent phase. We found that both C(Hb) and Wabs increase with increasing metallicity. We detected a high N/O ratio in objects showing strong WR features. The ejecta of the WR stars may be the origin of the N enrichment in these galaxies. We compared the abundances provided by the direct method with those obtained using empirical calibrations, finding that (i) the Pilyugin method is the best suitable empirical calibration, (ii) the relations between the oxygen abundance and the N2 or the O3N2 parameters provided by Pettini & Pagel (2004) give acceptable results for objects with 12+log(O/H)>8.0, and (iii) the results provided by empirical calibrations based on photoionization models are systematically 0.2-0.3 dex higher than the values derived from the direct method. The O and N abundances and the N/O ratios are related to the optical/NIR luminosity; the dispersion is consequence of the differences in the star-formation histories. Galaxies with redder colours tend to have higher oxygen and nitrogen abundances. Our detailed analysis is fundamental to understand the nature of galaxies showing strong starbursts, as well as to know their star formation history and the relationships with the environment.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2009

Massive star formation in Wolf-Rayet galaxies: II. Optical spectroscopy results

(Abridged) We have performed a comprehensive multiwavelength analysis of a sample of 20 starburst galaxies that show the presence of a substantial population of very young massive stars. In this paper, the second of the series, we present the results of the analysis of long-slit intermediate-resolution spectroscopy of star-formation bursts for 16 galaxies of our sample. We study the spatial localization of the WR stars in each galaxy. We analyze the excitation mechanism and derive the reddening coefficient, physical conditions and chemical abundances of the ionized gas. We study the kinematics of the ionized gas to check the rotation/turbulence pattern of each system. When possible, tentative estimates of the Keplerian mass of the galaxies have been calculated. Our analysis has revealed that a substantial fraction of the galaxies show evidences of perturbed kinematics. With respect to the results found in individual galaxies, we remark the detection of objects with different metallicity and decoupled kinematics in Haro 15 and Mkn 1199, the finding of evidences of tidal streams in IRAS 08208+2816, Tol 9 and perhaps in SBS 1319+579, and the development of a merging process in SBS 0926+606 A and in Tol 1457-262. All these results reinforce the hypothesis that interactions with or between dwarf objects is a very important mechanism in the triggering of massive star formation in starburst galaxies, specially in dwarf ones. It must be highlighted that only deep and very detailed observationscan provide clear evidences that these subtle interaction processes are taking place.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2009

The environment of nearby Blue Compact Dwarf Galaxies

We are obtaining deep multiwavelength data of a sample of nearby blue compact dwarf galaxies (BCDGs) combining broad-band optical/NIR and H$α$ photometry, optical spectroscopy and 21-cm radio observations. Here we present HI results obtained with the Australia Telescope Compact Array for some BCDGs, all showing evident interaction features in their neutral gas component despite the environment in which they reside. Our analysis strongly suggests that interactions with or between low-luminosity dwarf galaxies or HI clouds are the main trigger mechanism of the star-forming bursts in BCDGs; however these dwarf objects are only detected when deep optical images and complementary HI observations are performed. Are therefore BCDGs real isolated systems?

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2009

Gas Dynamics and Star Formation in the Galaxy Pair NGC1512/1510

(abridged) Here we present HI line and 20-cm radio continuum data of the nearby galaxy pair NGC1512/1510 as obtained with the Australia Telescope Compact Array. These are complemented by GALEX UV-, SINGG Halpha- and Spitzer mid-infrared images, allowing us to compare the distribution and kinematics of the neutral atomic gas with the locations and ages of the stellar clusters within the system. For the barred, double-ring galaxy NGC1512 we find a very large HI disk, about 4x its optical diameter, with two pronounced spiral/tidal arms. Both its gas distribution and the distribution of the star-forming regions are affected by gravitational interaction with the neighbouring blue compact dwarf galaxy NGC1510. The two most distant HI clumps, at radii of about 80 kpc, show signs of star formation and are likely tidal dwarf galaxies. Star formation in the outer disk of NGC1512 is revealed by deep optical- and two-color ultraviolet images. Using the latter we determine the properties of about 200 stellar clusters and explore their correlation with dense HI clumps in the even larger 2XHI disk. The multi-wavelength analysis of the NGC1512/1510 system, which is probably in the first stages of a minor merger having started about 400 Myr ago, links stellar and gaseous galaxy properties on scales from one to 100 kpc.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2008

Massive star formation in Wolf-Rayet galaxies: I. Optical and NIR photometric results

(Abridged) We have performed a comprehensive multiwavelength analysis of a sample of 20 starburst galaxies that show the presence of a substantial population of massive stars. The main aims are the study of the massive star formation and stellar populations in these galaxies, and the role that interactions with or between dwarf galaxies and/or low surface companion objects have in triggering the bursts. We completed new deep optical and \NIR\ broad-band images, as well as the new continuum-subtracted H$α$ maps, of our sample of Wolf-Rayet galaxies. We analyze the morphology of each system and its surroundings and quantify the photometric properties of all important objects. All data were corrected for both extinction and nebular emission using our spectroscopic data. The age of the most recent star-formation burst is estimated and compared with the age of the underlying older low-luminosity population. The \Ha-based star-formation rate, number of O7V equivalent stars, mass of ionized gas, and mass of the ionizing star cluster are also derived. We found interaction features in many (15 up to 20) of the analyzed objects, which were extremely evident in the majority. We checked that the correction for nebular emission to the broad-band filter fluxes is important in compact objects and/or with intense nebular emission to obtain realistic colors and compare with the predictions of evolutionary synthesis models. The estimate of the age of the most recent star-formation burst is derived consistently. With respect to the results found in individual objects, we remark the strong \Ha\ emission found in IRAS 08208+2816, UM 420, and SBS 0948+532, the detection of a double-nucleus in SBS 0926+606A, a possible galactic wind in Tol 9, and one (two?) nearby dwarf star-forming galaxies surrounding Tol 1457-437.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

The tidally disturbed luminous compact blue galaxy Mkn 1087 and its surroundings

We present new broad-band optical and near-infrared CCD imaging together with deep optical intermediate-resolution spectroscopy of Mkn 1087 and its surrounding objects. We analyze the morphology and colors of the stellar populations of the brightest objects, some of them star-formation areas, as well as the kinematics, physical conditions and chemical composition of the ionized gas associated with them. Mkn 1087 does not host an Active Galactic Nucleus, but it could be a Luminous Compact Blue Galaxy. Although it was classified as a suspected Wolf-Rayet galaxy, we do not detect the spectral features of these sort of massive stars. Mkn 1087 shows morphological and kinematical features that can be explained assuming that it is in interaction with two nearby galaxies: the bright KPG 103a and a dwarf ($M_B\sim-18$) star-forming companion. We argue that this dwarf companion is not a tidal object but an external galaxy because of its low metallicity [12+log(O/H) = 8.24] with respect to the one derived for Mkn 1087 [12+log(O/H) = 8.57] and its kinematics. Some of the non-stellar objects surrounding Mkn 1087 are connected by bridges of matter with the main body, host star-formation events and show similar abundances despite their different angular distances. These facts, together their kinematics, suggest that they are tidal dwarf galaxies formed from material stripped from Mkn 1087. A bright star-forming region at the south of Mkn 1087 (knot #7) does not show indications of being a tidal galaxy or the product of a merging process as suggested in previous works. We argue that Mkn 1087 and its surroundings should be considered a group of galaxies.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

IRAS 04000+5052: A not so compact, not so metal-poor HII region

We present new observations of IRAS 04000+5052, a Galactic HII region associated with a young stellar cluster and possibly located at the Perseus arm. Contrary to previous claims, we have found that this object is not a compact metal-poor HII region. The electron density and chemical composition of the nebula are similar to those of normal HII regions of the Galactic disk. The radial velocity of the ionized gas coincides with that obtained from CO observations, indicating that the nebula is associated with a molecular cloud. Probably, the ionizing source of the HII region is a Herbig Be star of B0.5 spectral type.

astro-ph↗