arXiv subjects

M. Cirasuolo

Publications and source records attributed to M. Cirasuolo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

MARTA: Temperature-temperature relationships and strong-line metallicity calibrations from multiple auroral-line detections at cosmic noon

We present the first results from MARTA (Measuring Abundances at high Redshift with the T$_e$ Approach), a programme leveraging ultra-deep, medium-resolution JWST/NIRSpec spectroscopy to probe the interstellar medium (ISM) of star-forming galaxies at $z \sim 2 - 3$. We report detections of one or more auroral lines, including [O III]$\lambda4363$, [O II]$\lambda\lambda7320,7330$, [S II] $\lambda4068$, and [S III] $\lambda6312$ for 16 galaxies in the sample, providing measurements of multiple ionic temperatures. We tested the validity of the T[O II]-T[O III] relation at high redshift considering a total sample of 21 objects including literature data, and obtained a shallower slope than in the low-$z$ literature. However, such a slope is consistent with low-redshift data when ultra-low metallicity objects are considered. We assessed the correlation of the T[O II]-T[O III] relationship and its scatter on different physical parameters, finding a mild correlation with the ionisation parameter and radiation field hardness, while no significant correlation with gas density. The location of high-redshift data is also consistent with the low-$z$ literature in the T[O II]-T[S II], and T[S III]-T[O III] relations, although this conclusion is limited with low-number statistics. Finally, we leveraged our sample together with a comprehensive compilation of galaxies with [O III]$\lambda4363$ detections from the literature to recalibrate classical strong-line diagnostics at high redshift. MARTA represents a key addition in this space because it provides direct metallicities at moderately high oxygen abundances (12+log(O/H) $\sim8.0-8.4$).

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arXiv2025

The JWST EXCELS survey: an extremely metal-poor galaxy at $z=8.271$ hosting an unusual population of massive stars

We present an analysis of the rest-frame optical ($\lambda \simeq 3100-5600 \,$\r{A}) spectrum of a $\mathrm{log}_{10}(M_*/\mathrm{M_\odot}) = 8.6$ star-forming galaxy at $z=8.271$ from JWST/NIRSpec medium-resolution observations taken as part of the EXCELS survey. The galaxy (EXCELS-63107) is compact, with a size consistent with the size of local star-forming cluster complexes ($r_e < 200 \, \rm{pc}$) and has an extremely steep UV continuum measured from JWST/NIRCam photometry ($\beta=-3.3\pm0.3$). The JWST/NIRSpec G395M spectrum of EXCELS-63107 is notable for its strong [OIII]$\lambda4363$ auroral-line emission relative to the [OIII]$\lambda5007$ forbidden line. Via a detailed emission-line and photoionization-modelling analysis, we find that the the observed properties of EXCELS-63107 are consistent with the presence of an ionizing source with an effective temperature of $T_{\rm eff} \gtrsim 80 \, 000\,\rm{K}$ heating ionized gas with a density of $n_e < 10^4 \, \rm{cm}^{-3}$ to a volume-averaged electron temperature of $T_e \simeq 34 \, 000\,\rm{K}$. Crucially, we find that stellar population models assuming a standard IMF are not capable of producing the required heating. We determine an oxygen abundance of ${12+\mathrm{log(O/H)}= 6.89^{+0.26}_{-0.21}}$ which is one of the lowest directly constrained oxygen abundances measured in any galaxy to date, and $\simeq 10 \times$ lower than is typical for $z\simeq8$ galaxies with the same stellar mass. The extremely low metallicity of EXCELS-63107 places it in a regime in which theoretical models expect a transition to a top-heavy IMF, and we speculate that a $\simeq 10-30 \, \times$ excess of $M > 50 \, \rm{M}_{\odot}$ stars is one plausible explanation for its observed properties. However, more exotic scenarios, such as Pop III star formation within a mildly enriched halo, are also consistent with the observations.

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arXiv2024

ANDES, the high resolution spectrograph for the ELT: science goals, project overview and future developments

The first generation of ELT instruments includes an optical-infrared high-resolution spectrograph, indicated as ELT-HIRES and recently christened ANDES (ArmazoNes high Dispersion Echelle Spectrograph). ANDES consists of three fibre-fed spectrographs ([U]BV, RIZ, YJH) providing a spectral resolution of $\sim$100,000 with a minimum simultaneous wavelength coverage of 0.4-1.8 $\mu$m with the goal of extending it to 0.35-2.4 $\mu$m with the addition of a U arm to the BV spectrograph and a separate K band spectrograph. It operates both in seeing- and diffraction-limited conditions and the fibre feeding allows several, interchangeable observing modes including a single conjugated adaptive optics module and a small diffraction-limited integral field unit in the NIR. Modularity and fibre-feeding allow ANDES to be placed partly on the ELT Nasmyth platform and partly in the Coud\'e room. ANDES has a wide range of groundbreaking science cases spanning nearly all areas of research in astrophysics and even fundamental physics. Among the top science cases, there are the detection of biosignatures from exoplanet atmospheres, finding the fingerprints of the first generation of stars, tests on the stability of Nature's fundamental couplings, and the direct detection of the cosmic acceleration. The ANDES project is carried forward by a large international consortium, composed of 35 Institutes from 13 countries, forming a team of almost 300 scientists and engineers which include the majority of the scientific and technical expertise in the field that can be found in ESO member states.

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arXiv2024

The NIRVANDELS Survey: the stellar and gas-phase mass-metallicity relations of star-forming galaxies at z = 3.5

We present determinations of the gas-phase and stellar metallicities of a sample of 65 star-forming galaxies at $z \simeq 3.5$ using rest-frame far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectroscopy from the VANDELS survey in combination with follow-up rest-frame optical spectroscopy from VLT/KMOS and Keck/MOSFIRE. We infer gas-phase oxygen abundances ($Z_{\mathrm{g}}$; tracing O/H) via strong optical nebular lines and stellar iron abundances ($Z_{\star}$; tracing Fe/H) from full spectral fitting to the FUV continuum. Our sample spans the stellar mass range $8.5 < \mathrm{log}(M_{\star}/\mathrm{M}_{\odot}) < 10.5$ and shows clear evidence for both a stellar and gas-phase mass-metallicity relation (MZR). We find that our O and Fe abundance estimates both exhibit a similar mass-dependence, such that $\mathrm{Fe/H}\propto M_{\star}^{0.30\pm0.11}$ and $\mathrm{O/H}\propto M_{\star}^{0.32\pm0.09}$. At fixed $M_{\star}$ we find that, relative to their solar values, O abundances are systematically larger than Fe abundances (i.e., $\alpha$-enhancement).We estimate an average enhancement of $\mathrm{(O/Fe)} = 2.65 \pm 0.16 \times \mathrm{(O/Fe)_\odot}$ which appears to be independent of $M_{\star}$. We employ analytic chemical evolution models to place a constraint on the strength of galactic-level outflows via the mass-outflow factor ($\eta$). We show that outflow efficiencies that scale as $\eta \propto M_{\star}^{-0.32}$ can simultaneously explain the functional form of of the stellar and gas-phase MZR, as well as the degree of $\alpha$-enhancement at fixed Fe/H. Our results add further evidence to support a picture in which $\alpha$-enhanced abundance ratios are ubiquitous in high-redshift star-forming galaxies, as expected for young systems whose interstellar medium is primarily enriched by core-collapse supernovae.

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arXiv2022

The resolved chemical abundance properties within the interstellar medium of star-forming galaxies at $\mathbf{ \textit{z} \approx 1.5}$

We exploit the unprecedented depth of integral field data from the KMOS Ultra-deep Rotational Velocity Survey (KURVS) to analyse the strong (H$α$) and forbidden ([NII], [SII]) emission line ratios in 22 main-sequence galaxies at $z\approx1.5$. Using the [NII]/H$α$ emission-line ratio we confirm the presence of the stellar mass $-$ gas-phase metallicity relation at this epoch, with galaxies exhibiting on average 0.13$\pm$0.04 dex lower gas-phase metallicity (12+log(O/H)$_{\rm M13}$=8.40$\pm$0.03) for a given stellar mass ($\log_{10}$($M_{\rm *}$[$M_{\odot}$]=10.1$\pm$0.1) than local main-sequence galaxies. We determine the galaxy-integrated [SII] doublet ratio, with a median value of [SII]$λ$6716/$λ$6731=1.26$\pm$0.14 equivalent to an electron density of log$_{10}$($n_{\rm e}$[cm$^{-3}$])=1.95$\pm$0.12. Utilising CANDELS $HST$ multi-band imaging we define the pixel surface-mass and star-formation rate density in each galaxy and spatially resolve the fundamental metallicity relation at $z\approx1.5$, finding an evolution of 0.05$\pm$0.01 dex compared to the local relation. We quantify the intrinsic gas-phase metallicity gradient within the galaxies using the [NII]/H$α$ calibration, finding a median annuli-based gradient of $Δ$Z/$Δ$R=$-$0.015$\pm$0.005 dex kpc$^{-1}$. Finally we examine the azimuthal variations in gas-phase metallicity, which show a negative correlation with the galaxy integrated star-formation rate surface density ($r_{\rm s}$=$-$0.40, $p_{\rm s}$=0.07) but no connection to the galaxies kinematic or morphological properties nor radial variations in stellar mass surface density or star formation rate surface density. This suggests both the radial and azimuthal variations in interstellar medium properties are connected to the galaxy integrated density of recent star formation.

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arXiv2021

The VANDELS ESO public spectroscopic survey: final Data Release of 2087 spectra and spectroscopic measurements

VANDELS is an ESO Public Spectroscopic Survey designed to build a sample of high signal to noise, medium resolution spectra of galaxies at redshift between 1 and 6.5. Here we present the final Public Data Release of the VANDELS Survey, comprising 2087 redshift measurements. We give a detailed description of sample selection, observations and data reduction procedures. The final catalogue reaches a target selection completeness of 40% at iAB = 25. The high Signal to Noise ratio of the spectra (above 7 in 80% of the spectra) and the dispersion of 2.5Å allowed us to measure redshifts with high precision, the redshift measurement success rate reaching almost 100%. Together with the redshift catalogue and the reduced spectra, we also provide optical mid-IR photometry and physical parameters derived through SED fitting. The observed galaxy sample comprises both passive and star forming galaxies covering a stellar mass range 8.3< Log(M*/Msolar)<11.7. All catalogues and spectra are accessible through the survey database (http://vandels.inaf.it) where all information can be queried interactively, and via the ESO Archive (https://www.eso.org/qi/).

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arXiv2020

The Evolution of Gas-Phase Metallicity and Resolved Abundances in Star-forming Galaxies at $z \approx0.6-1.8$

We present an analysis of the chemical abundance properties of $\approx$650 star-forming galaxies at $z \approx0.6-1.8$. Using integral-field observations from the $K$-band Multi-Object Spectrograph (KMOS), we quantify the [NII]/H$α$ emission-line ratio, a proxy for the gas-phase Oxygen abundance within the interstellar medium. We define the stellar mass-metallicity relation at $z \approx0.6-1.0$ and $z \approx1.2-1.8$ and analyse the correlation between the scatter in the relation and fundamental galaxy properties (e.g. H$α$ star-formation rate, H$α$ specific star-formation rate, rotation dominance, stellar continuum half-light radius and Hubble-type morphology). We find that for a given stellar mass, more highly star-forming, larger and irregular galaxies have lower gas-phase metallicities, which may be attributable to their lower surface mass densities and the higher gas fractions of irregular systems. We measure the radial dependence of gas-phase metallicity in the galaxies, establishing a median, beam smearing-corrected, metallicity gradient of $ ΔZ/ ΔR=0.002 \pm0.004$ dex kpc$^{-1}$, indicating on average there is no significant dependence on radius. The metallicity gradient of a galaxy is independent of its rest-frame optical morphology, whilst correlating with its stellar mass and specific star-formation rate, in agreement with an inside-out model of galaxy evolution, as well as its rotation dominance. We quantify the evolution of metallicity gradients, comparing the distribution of $ΔZ/ ΔR$ in our sample with numerical simulations and observations at $z \approx0-3$. Galaxies in our sample exhibit flatter metallicity gradients than local star-forming galaxies, in agreement with numerical models in which stellar feedback plays a crucial role redistributing metals.

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arXiv2020

MOONS: The New Multi-Object Spectrograph for the VLT

MOONS is the new Multi-Object Optical and Near-infrared Spectrograph currently under construction for the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at ESO. This remarkable instrument combines, for the first time, the collecting power of an 8-m telescope, 1000 fibres with individual robotic positioners, and both low- and high-resolution simultaneous spectral coverage across the 0.64-1.8 micron wavelength range. This facility will provide the astronomical community with a powerful, world-leading instrument able to serve a wide range of Galactic, extragalactic and cosmological studies. Construction is now proceeding full steam ahead and this overview article presents some of the science goals and the technical description of the MOONS instrument. More detailed information on the MOONS surveys is provided in the other dedicated articles in this Messenger issue.

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arXiv2020

MOONS Surveys of the Milky Way and its Satellites

The study of resolved stellar populations in the Milky Way and other Local Group galaxies can provide us with a fossil record of their chemo-dynamical and star-formation histories over timescales of many billions of years. In the galactic components and stellar systems of the Milky Way and its satellites, individual stars can be resolved. Therefore, they represent a unique laboratory in which to investigate the details of the processes behind the formation and evolution of the disc and dwarf/irregular galaxies. MOONS at the VLT represents a unique combination of an efficient infrared multi-object spectrograph and a large-aperture 8-m-class telescope which will sample the cool stellar populations of the dense central regions of the Milky Way and its satellites, delivering accurate radial velocities, metallicities, and other chemical abundances for several millions of stars over its lifetime (see Cirasuolo et al., this issue). MOONS will observe up to 1000 targets across a 25-arcminute field of view in the optical and near-infrared (0.6-1.8 micron) simultaneously. A high-resolution (R~19700) setting in the H band has been designed for the accurate determination of stellar abundances such as alpha, light, iron-peak and neutron-capture elements.

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arXiv2020

MOONRISE: The Main MOONS GTO Extragalactic Survey

The MOONS instrument possesses an exceptional combination of large multiplexing, high sensitivity, broad simultaneous spectral coverage (from optical to near-infrared bands), large patrol area and high fibre density. These properties provide the unprecedented potential of enabling, for the very first time, SDSS-like surveys around Cosmic Noon (z~1-2.5), when the star formation rate in the Universe peaked. The high-quality spectra delivered by MOONS will sample the same nebular and stellar diagnostics observed in extensive surveys of local galaxies, providing an accurate and consistent description of the evolution of various physical properties of galaxies, and hence a solid test of different scenarios of galaxy formation and transformation. Most importantly, by spectroscopically identifying hundreds of thousands of galaxies at high redshift, the MOONS surveys will be capable of determining the environments in which primeval galaxies lived and will reveal how such environments affected galaxy evolution. In this article, we specifically focus on the main Guaranteed Time Observation (GTO) MOONS extragalactic survey, MOONRISE, by providing an overview of its scientific goals and observing strategy.

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arXiv2020

The VANDELS survey: A strong correlation between Ly$α$ equivalent width and stellar metallicity at $\mathbf{3\leq z \leq 5}$

We present the results of a new study investigating the relationship between observed Ly$α$ equivalent width ($W_λ$(Ly$α$)) and the metallicity of the ionizing stellar population ($Z_{\star}$) for a sample of $768$ star-forming galaxies at $3 \leq z \leq 5$ drawn from the VANDELS survey. Dividing our sample into quartiles of rest-frame $W_λ$(Ly$α$) across the range $-58 \unicode{xC5} \lesssim$ $W_λ$(Ly$α$) $\lesssim 110 \unicode{xC5}$ we determine $Z_{\star}$ from full spectral fitting of composite far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectra and find a clear anti-correlation between $W_λ$(Ly$α$) and $Z_{\star}$. Our results indicate that $Z_{\star}$ decreases by a factor $\gtrsim 3$ between the lowest $W_λ$(Ly$α$) quartile ($\langle$$W_λ$(Ly$α$)$\rangle=-18\unicode{xC5}$) and the highest $W_λ$(Ly$α$) quartile ($\langle$$W_λ$(Ly$α$)$\rangle=24\unicode{xC5}$). Similarly, galaxies typically defined as Lyman Alpha Emitters (LAEs; $W_λ$(Ly$α$) $>20\unicode{xC5}$) are, on average, metal poor with respect to the non-LAE galaxy population ($W_λ$(Ly$α$) $\leq20\unicode{xC5}$) with $Z_{\star}$$_{\rm{non-LAE}}\gtrsim 2 \times$ $Z_{\star}$$_{\rm{LAE}}$. Finally, based on the best-fitting stellar models, we estimate that the increasing strength of the stellar ionizing spectrum towards lower $Z_{\star}$ is responsible for $\simeq 15-25\%$ of the observed variation in $W_λ$(Ly$α$) across our sample, with the remaining contribution ($\simeq 75-85\%$) being due to a decrease in the HI/dust covering fractions in low $Z_{\star}$ galaxies.

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arXiv2020

The role of galaxy mass on AGN emission: a view from the VANDELS survey

We present a comparative analysis of the properties of AGN emitting at radio and X-ray wavelengths. The study is performed on 907 X-ray AGN and 100 radio AGN selected on the CDFS and UDS fields and makes use of new and ancillary data available to the VANDELS collaboration. Our results indicate that the mass of the host galaxy is a fundamental quantity which determines the level of AGN activity at the various wavelengths. Indeed large stellar masses are found to be connected with AGN radio emission, as virtually all radio-active AGN reside within galaxies of M*>10^{10} Msun. Large stellar masses also seem to favour AGN activity in the X-ray, even though X-ray AGN present a mass distribution which is more spread out and with a non-negligible tail at M*<10^{9} Msun. Stellar mass alone is also observed to play a fundamental role in simultaneous radio and X-ray emission: the percentage of AGN active at both wavelengths increases from around 1% of all X-ray AGN residing within hosts of M*<10^{11} Msun to about 13% in more massive galaxies. In the case of radio-selected AGN, such a percentage moves from about 15% to about 45% (but up to 80% in the deepest fields). Neither cosmic epoch, nor radio luminosity, X-ray luminosity, Eddington ratio or star-formation rate of the hosts are found to be connected to an enhanced probability for joint radio+X-ray emission of AGN origin. Furthermore, only a loose relation is observed between X-ray and radio luminosity in those AGN which are simultaneously active at both frequencies.

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arXiv2020

From Peculiar Morphologies to Hubble-type Spirals: The relation between galaxy dynamics and morphology in star-forming galaxies at z~1.5

We present an analysis of the gas dynamics of star-forming galaxies at z~1.5 using data from the KMOS Galaxy Evolution Survey (KGES). We quantify the morphology of the galaxies using $HST$ CANDELS imaging parametrically and non-parametrically. We combine the H$α$ dynamics from KMOS with the high-resolution imaging to derive the relation between stellar mass (M$_{*}$) and stellar specific angular momentum (j$_{*}$). We show that high-redshift star-forming galaxies at z~1.5 follow a power-law trend in specific stellar angular momentum with stellar mass similar to that of local late-type galaxies of the form j$_*$$\propto$M$_*^{0.53 \pm 0.10}$. The highest specific angular momentum galaxies are mostly disc-like, although generally, both peculiar morphologies and disc-like systems are found across the sequence of specific angular momentum at a fixed stellar mass. We explore the scatter within the j$_{*}$-M$_{*}$ plane and its correlation with both the integrated dynamical properties of a galaxy (e.g. velocity dispersion, Toomre Q$_{\rm g}$, H$α$ star formation rate surface density $Σ_{\rm SFR}$) and its parameterised rest-frame UV/optical morphology (e.g. Sérsic index, bulge to total ratio, Clumpiness, Asymmetry and Concentration). We establish that the position in the j$_{*}$-M$_{*}$ plane is strongly correlated with the star-formation surface density and the Clumpiness of the stellar light distribution. Galaxies with peculiar rest-frame UV/optical morphologies have comparable specific angular momentum to disc-dominated galaxies of the same stellar mass, but are clumpier and have higher star-formation rate surface densities. We propose that the peculiar morphologies in high--redshift systems are driven by higher star formation rate surface densities and higher gas fractions leading to a more clumpy inter-stellar medium.

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arXiv2020

KASHz: No evidence for ionised outflows instantaneously suppressing star formation in moderate luminosity AGN at $z$$\sim$$1.4$-$2.6$

As part of our KMOS AGN Survey at High-redshift (KASHz), we present spatially-resolved VLT/KMOS and VLT/SINFONI spectroscopic data and ALMA 870$μ$m continuum imaging of eight $z$=1.4--2.6 moderate AGN ($L_{\rm 2-10 \rm kev}$ = $10^{42} - 10^{45}$ ergs s$^{-1}$). We map [OIII], H$α$ and rest-frame FIR emission to search for any spatial anti-correlation between ionised outflows (traced by the [OIII] line) and star formation (SF; traced by H$α$ and FIR), that has previously been claimed for some high-z AGN and used as evidence for negative and/or positive AGN feedback. Firstly, we conclude that H$α$ is unreliable to map SF inside our AGN host galaxies based on: (i) SF rates inferred from attenuation-corrected H$α$ can lie below those inferred from FIR; (ii) the FIR continuum is more compact than the H$α$ emission by a factor of $\sim 2$ on average; (iii) in half of our sample, we observe significant spatial offsets between the FIR and H$α$ emission, with an average offset of $1.4\pm0.6$ kpc. Secondly, for the five targets with outflows we find no evidence for a spatial anti-correlation between outflows and SF using either H$α$ or FIR as a tracer. This holds for our re-analysis of a famous $z$=1.6 X-ray AGN (`XID 2028') where positive and negative feedback has been previously claimed. Based on our results, any impact on SF by ionised outflows must be subtle, either occurring on scales below our resolution, or on long timescales.

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arXiv2019

Hyperluminous starburst gives up its secrets

HATLAS J084933.4+021443 was identified as a dusty starburst via its rest-frame far-IR emission. Multi-frequency imaging and spectroscopy revealed a cluster of four dusty galaxies at $z = 2.41$, covering 80 kpc. Here, we use ALMA to confirm a more distant, fifth protocluster member, and present X-ray and rest-frame optical imaging spectroscopy of the brightest, an unlensed hyperluminous IR galaxy (HyLIRG). The data reveal broad H αand bright [N II] lines, and bright X-ray emission, characteristics that betray a Type-1 active galactic nucleus (AGN), strengthening evidence that AGN are ubiquitous amongst HyLIRGs. The accreting black hole is super massive, $M_{\rm bh}\approx 2\times 10^9$ M$_\odot$, with little intrinsic absorption, $N_{\rm H}\approx 5\times 10^{21}$ cm$^{-2}$. The X-ray properties suggest the accretion luminosity rivals that of the starburst, yet it is not obvious where this emerges in its panchromatic spectral energy distribution (SED). We outline three scenarios that could give rise to the observed characteristics, and how we might distinguish between them. In the first, we see the AGN through the host galaxy because of the cavity it excavates. In the others, the AGN is not co-spatial with the starburst, having been ejected via asymmetric gravitational radiation, or having evolved towards the naked quasar phase in an unseen companion.

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arXiv2019

The VANDELS survey: the stellar metallicities of star-forming galaxies at 2.5 < z < 5.0

We present the results of a study utilising ultra-deep, rest-frame UV, spectroscopy to quantify the relationship between stellar mass and stellar metallicity for 681 star-forming galaxies at $2.5<z<5.0$ ($\langle z \rangle = 3.5 \pm 0.6$) drawn from the VANDELS survey. Via a comparison with high-resolution stellar population models, we determine stellar metallicities for a set of composite spectra formed from subsamples selected by mass and redshift. Across the stellar mass range $8.5 < \mathrm{log}(\langle M_{\ast} \rangle/\rm{M}_{\odot}) < 10.2$ we find a strong correlation between stellar metallicity and stellar mass, with stellar metallicity monotonically increasing from $Z_{\ast}/\mathrm{Z}_{\odot} < 0.09$ at $\langle M_{\ast} \rangle = 3.2 \times 10^{8} \rm{M}_{\odot}$ to $Z_{\ast}/Z_{\odot} = 0.27$ at $\langle M_{\ast} \rangle = 1.7 \times 10^{10} \rm{M}_{\odot}$. In contrast, at a given stellar mass, we find no evidence for significant metallicity evolution across the redshift range of our sample. However, comparing our results to the $z=0$ stellar mass-metallicity relation, we find that the $\langle z \rangle = 3.5$ relation is consistent with being shifted to lower metallicities by $\simeq 0.6$ dex. Contrasting our derived stellar metallicities with estimates of gas-phase metallicities at similar redshifts, we find evidence for enhanced $\rm{O}/\rm{Fe}$ ratios of the order (O/Fe) $\gtrsim 1.8$ $\times$ (O/Fe)$_{\odot}$. Finally, by comparing our results to simulation predictions, we find that the $\langle z \rangle = 3.5$ stellar mass-metallicity relation is consistent with current predictions for how outflow strength scales with galaxy mass. This conclusion is supported by an analysis of analytic models, and suggests that the mass loading parameter ($η=\dot{M}_{\mathrm{outflow}}/M_{\ast}$) scales as $η\propto M_{\ast}^β$ with $β\simeq -0.4$.

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arXiv2019

The Shapes of the Rotation Curves of Star-forming Galaxies Over the Last $\approx$10 Gyr

We analyse maps of the spatially-resolved nebular emission of $\approx$1500 star-forming galaxies at $z\approx0.6$-$2.2$ from deep KMOS and MUSE observations to measure the average shape of their rotation curves. We use these to test claims for declining rotation curves at large radii in galaxies at $z\approx1$-$2$ that have been interpreted as evidence for an absence of dark matter. We show that the shape of the average rotation curves, and the extent to which they decline beyond their peak velocities, depends upon the normalisation prescription used to construct the average curve. Normalising in size by the galaxy stellar disk-scale length after accounting for seeing effects ($R_{\rm{d}}^{\prime}$), we construct stacked position-velocity diagrams that trace the average galaxy rotation curve out to $6R_{\rm{d}}^{\prime}$ ($\approx$13 kpc, on average). Combining these curves with average HI rotation curves for local systems, we investigate how the shapes of galaxy rotation curves evolve over $\approx$10 Gyr. The average rotation curve for galaxies binned in stellar mass, stellar surface mass density and/or redshift is approximately flat, or continues to rise, out to at least $6R_{\rm{d}}^{\prime}$. We find a trend between the outer slopes of galaxies' rotation curves and their stellar mass surface densities, with the higher surface density systems exhibiting flatter rotation curves. Drawing comparisons with hydrodynamical simulations, we show that the average shapes of the rotation curves for our sample of massive, star-forming galaxies at $z\approx0$-$2.2$ are consistent with those expected from $Λ$CDM theory and imply dark matter fractions within $6R_{\rm{d}}$ of at least $\approx60$ percent.

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arXiv2018

The VANDELS ESO public spectroscopic survey

VANDELS is a uniquely-deep spectroscopic survey of high-redshift galaxies with the VIMOS spectrograph on ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT). The survey has obtained ultra-deep optical (0.48 < lambda < 1.0 micron) spectroscopy of ~2100 galaxies within the redshift interval 1.0 < z < 7.0, over a total area of ~0.2 sq. degrees centred on the CANDELS UDS and CDFS fields. Based on accurate photometric redshift pre-selection, 85% of the galaxies targeted by VANDELS were selected to be at z>=3. Exploiting the red sensitivity of the refurbished VIMOS spectrograph, the fundamental aim of the survey is to provide the high signal-to-noise ratio spectra necessary to measure key physical properties such as stellar population ages, masses, metallicities and outflow velocities from detailed absorption-line studies. Using integration times calculated to produce an approximately constant signal-to-noise ratio (20 < t_int < 80 hours), the VANDELS survey targeted: a) bright star-forming galaxies at 2.4 < z < 5.5, b) massive quiescent galaxies at 1.0 < z < 2.5, c) fainter star-forming galaxies at 3.0 < z < 7.0 and d) X-ray/Spitzer-selected active galactic nuclei and Herschel-detected galaxies. By targeting two extragalactic survey fields with superb multi-wavelength imaging data, VANDELS will produce a unique legacy data set for exploring the physics underpinning high-redshift galaxy evolution. In this paper we provide an overview of the VANDELS survey designed to support the science exploitation of the first ESO public data release, focusing on the scientific motivation, survey design and target selection.

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