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D. Fernández-Arenas

Publications and source records attributed to D. Fernández-Arenas.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Charting the expansion of the Universe from z$\sim$0 to z$\sim$14 with HII galaxies

We present an updated Hubble diagram of giant extragalactic H II regions and H II galaxies spanning the redshift interval $z\sim 0$ to $z\sim 14$, extending the use of the $L(\mathrm{H}β)-σ$ relation as an independent cosmological probe into the epoch of cosmic dawn. Our sample comprises 243 objects, including local anchor systems with primary distance measurements, previously published low- and intermediate-redshift H II galaxies, recent JWST/NIRSpec observations, and a new subsample of extremely high-redshift H II galaxies observed with JWST and with ALMA+JWST for the highest-redshift cases. We homogenise the measurements across the full sample, applying consistent corrections for instrumental and thermal broadening, extinction, and, where required, the transformation from [O III]-based to Balmer-line velocity dispersions. We model lensing effects of high redshift using a log-normal magnification formalism and infer cosmological parameters via a nested-sampling analysis. The $L-σ$ relation remains consistent over the full redshift range, showing no evidence for significant evolution even at the highest redshifts currently accessible. For the joint anchor+H II galaxies sample, under a flat $Λ$CDM model, we obtain $h=0.725\pm0.040$ and $Ω_m=0.308^{+0.043}_{-0.053}$. Allowing a constant dark-energy equation of state yields $w_0=-0.96^{+0.53}_{-0.21}$, while a CPL parametrisation gives $w_0=-0.92^{+0.57}_{-0.34}$ and $w_a=-0.48^{+0.60}_{-1.50}$, all consistent, within the uncertainties, with concordance cosmology. These results demonstrate that H II galaxies offer a viable, fully independent tracer of the expansion history across almost the entire age of the Universe, opening a new avenue for testing $Λ$CDM and dark-energy evolution well beyond reionisation.

astro-ph.CO↗

Ionized gas in NGC 4258: Exploring the AGN -- Star formation connection

NGC 4258 is a prime target for studying feedback in Low-Luminosity Active Galactic Nuclei (LLAGNs) due to its proximity and comprehensive multi-wavelength coverage. Using new Integral Field Spectroscopy (IFS) data from SITELLE at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, we analysed the galaxy's nebular emission lines. Our study focused on spatially resolved line ratios and Baldwin-Phillips-Terlevich diagrams, revealing that the ''anomalous spiral arms'' exhibit intense interactions between the jet and interstellar medium (ISM) extending up to 6 kpc with velocity dispersions peak at 200-250 km/s in these regions, contrasting with star-forming areas showing lower values around of 30-50 km/s. Analysis of covering fractions indicates heightened AGN ionization cones aligned with the radio jet, alongside evidence of shock quenching observed in the lower "anomalous arc". Conversely, jet-induced compression may stimulate star formation in other areas. We derived a galaxy-wide star formation rate of $\sim3 M_{\odot}\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$ decreasing to $0.3 M_{\odot}\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$ within the central $3.4 \mathrm{kpc}^2$. SITELLE's broad field coverage elucidates the galaxy's structural details, confirming that low-power jets significantly influence the host galaxy across parsec and kpc scales. The velocity dispersion map reveals asymmetric or double-peaked emission lines, tracing jet-disk interactions likely responsible for the formation of anomalous arm features. Small-scale ionizing clusters were detected in regions with disrupted gas flows, possibly formed through tidal interactions or shock compression. NGC~4258 thus presents a compelling case for studying LLAGN-driven feedback, illustrating how optical IFS combined with multi-wavelength data clarifies the impact of outflows and shocks on nearby spiral galaxies, providing insights into how these processes shape star formation and ISM conditions.

astro-ph.GA↗

The stellar population responsible for a kiloparsec size superbubble seen in the JWST "phantom" images of NGC628

We here study the multi-band properties of a kiloparsec-size superbubble in the late-type spiral galaxy NGC628. The superbubble is the largest of many holes seen in the early release images using JWST/MIRI filters that trace the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions. The superbubble is located in the interarm region ~3 kpc from the galactic center in the south-east direction. The shell surrounding the superbubble is detected in HI, CO, and Halpha with an expansion velocity of 12 km/s, and contains as much as 2x10^7 Msun of mass in gas that is mostly in molecular form. We find a clear excess of blue, bright stars inside the bubble as compared to the surrounding disk on the HST/ACS images. These excess blue, bright stars are part of a stellar population of 10^5 Msun mass that is formed over the last 50 Myr in different star formation episodes, as determined from an analysis of color-magnitude diagrams using a Bayesian technique. The mechanical power injected by the massive stars of these populations is sufficient to provide the energy necessary for the expansion of the shell gas. Slow and steady, rather than violent, injection of energy is probably the reason for the maintenance of the shell structure over the kiloparsec scale. The expanding shell is currently the site for triggered star formation as inferred from the JWST 21 micron (F2100W filter) and the Halpha images.

astro-ph.GA↗

Spatially-resolved properties of the ionized gas in the HII galaxy J084220+115000

We present a spatially resolved spectroscopic study for the metal poor HII galaxy J084220+115000 using MEGARA Integral Field Unit observations at the Gran Telescopio Canarias. We estimated the gas metallicity using the direct method for oxygen, nitrogen and helium and found a mean value of 12+$\log$(O/H)=$8.03\pm$0.06, and integrated electron density and temperature of $\sim161$ cm$^{-3}$ and $\sim15400$ K, respectively. The metallicity distribution shows a large range of $Δ$(O/H) = 0.72 dex between the minimum and maximum (7.69$\pm$0.06 and 8.42$\pm$0.05) values, unusual in a dwarf star-forming galaxy. We derived an integrated $\log$(N/O) ratio of $-1.51\pm0.05$ and found that both N/O and O/H correspond to a primary production of metals. Spatially resolved maps indicate that the gas appears to be photoionized by massive stars according to the diagnostic line ratios. Between the possible mechanisms to explain the starburst activity and the large variation of oxygen abundance in this galaxy, our data support a possible scenario where we are witnessing an ongoing interaction triggering multiple star-forming regions localized in two dominant clumps.

astro-ph.GA↗