SearcharxivSearch

arXiv subjects

Yuki Isobe

Publications and source records attributed to Yuki Isobe.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Gas-Phase Metallicity and Nitrogen Abundances in Low-Mass Galaxies Down to $M_\star\simeq10^{5.7}\,M_\odot$ at $z\simeq4.5$--$10.1$ from JWST Lensing Cluster Surveys

We analyze 405 deep JWST/NIRSpec spectra of star-forming galaxies at $z=4.5$--$10.1$ from DREAMS and other lensing-cluster surveys to study chemical enrichment in intrinsically faint, low-mass galaxies. The sample covers $M_{\rm UV}\simeq-12$ to $-22$ and reaches $M_\star\simeq10^{5.7}\,M_\odot$, with 50\% of the sources at $M_{\rm UV}>-17.5$ magnified by $\mu>3$. From individual spectra and mass-binned stacks, we derive the gas-phase metallicity together with nitrogen and carbon abundances using the rest-frame UV and optical lines. \Add{We derive new empirical strong-line metallicity calibrations using direct-method measurements from stellar-mass-binned stacks, reaching a representative stellar mass of $M_\star\simeq10^{6.6}\,M_\odot$. Applying these calibrations, we trace the $z\sim6$ mass--metallicity relation down to $M_\star\simeq10^{6.6}\,M_\odot$, where it reaches $12+\log({\rm O/H})\simeq7.2$, with a low-mass slope slightly steeper than the local relation and in broad agreement with hydrodynamical simulations.} In the $M_\star\simeq10^{7.7}\,M_\odot$ stack, N/O from N\,{\sc iv}]\,$\lambda\lambda\,1483,1486$ exceeds that from [N\,{\sc ii}]\,$\lambda6583$ by $\simeq1.4$ dex. The UV--optical difference could indicate a localized, highly ionized N-rich component whose high N/O and subsolar C/O resemble nitrogen-rich globular-cluster populations with $M_\star\lesssim10^6\,M_\odot$. \Add{The combination of these abundance patterns and a He\,{\sc ii}\,\W4686/H$\beta$ ratio of $\simeq0.03$, well above BPASS predictions, suggests that WR stars may contribute both prompt CNO-cycle enrichment and hard ionizing radiation, with the inferred WR population potentially supplying enough nitrogen to account for the excess on globular-cluster scales.

astro-ph.GA

The Mysterious Case of Iron in XMPs: Anomalous High log(Fe/O) Observed in Extremely Metal-Poor Galaxies HSCJ1631+4426 and SDSSJ0811+4730

We present integral field spectroscopic observations of two local extremely metal-poor galaxies (XMPs), HSCJ1631+4426 and SDSSJ0811+4730, obtained with the Keck Cosmic Web Imager (KCWI) over the wavelength range $3545-5529$ {\AA} at a spectral sampling of 0.5 {\AA}, capturing bright nebular emission lines essential for determining gas-phase metallicity and chemical enrichment measurements. Using integrated spectra, we derive oxygen abundances of $\rm12+\log(O/H)=7.079\pm0.010$ and $6.926\pm0.004$, and elevated Fe/O ratios of $\rm\log(Fe/O)=-1.57\pm0.17$ and $-1.28\pm0.07$, for HSCJ1631+4426 and SDSSJ0811+4730 respectively. Each galaxy is fully contained within the $\sim$8'' field of view, with 0.15'' spaxels providing spatially resolved information. These measurements indicate unusually efficient iron enhancement at extremely low metallicity; Fe/O ratios approach or exceed solar despite oxygen abundances of only $\sim$2% solar, inconsistent with enrichment from core-collapse supernovae alone or delayed Type Ia supernovae given the young ages of the systems. Comparison with chemical evolution models suggests rare, highly energetic explosions such as bright hypernovae and/or pair-instability supernovae are likely responsible. Our results reinforce the growing evidence that XMPs can reflect the nucleosynthetic processes of early energetic stellar explosions, serving as local laboratories for chemical enrichment pathways prevalent in the early Universe.

astro-ph.GA

Globular cluster abundance patterns inherited from giant molecular clouds

Globular clusters exhibit large star-to-star variations and anticorrelations in their light element abundances that are commonly interpreted in terms of in-cluster self-enrichment, in which ejecta from early-forming cluster stars pollute the gas from which later stars form over millions of years. Yet proposed self-enrichment scenarios suffer from a severe mass-budget problem or invoke exotic stellar populations. Using cosmological radiation-hydrodynamic simulations with a standard chemical enrichment model, we identify a population of giant molecular clouds whose internal abundance patterns reproduce several key globular cluster signatures: large light-element abundance spreads and nitrogen-oxygen anticorrelations at nearly constant iron abundance. These clouds form at the restart of star-formation activity after an earlier starburst, where previously ejected oxygen-rich gas collides with nitrogen-rich galactic gas, and are sites of dense star-cluster formation. In this picture, the chemical abundance patterns of globular clusters need not require extended in-cluster star formation, but can be inherited at birth from chemically structured interstellar gas shaped by the baryon cycle. Globular clusters therefore provide a fossil record of chemical enrichment and gas flows in high-redshift galaxies.

astro-ph.GA

Little Red and Blue Dots: AGN-excited narrow lines, Lyman-$\alpha$ emission, and resemblance to standard quasars

We present an analysis of a sample of 36 Little Red and Blue Dots (LRDs and LBDs) at $2.26<z<7.89$, identified by JWST in the GOODS fields. While both categories are selected to have broad Balmer lines, both of them are extremely X-ray weak. Both classes share the same location on various diagnostic diagrams, consistent with AGN excitation (with some deviations which can be ascribed to low metallicity), although their weak HeII emission suggests a generally softer ionizing spectrum than ordinary AGN. LRDs display Ly$\alpha$ emission stronger than normal star-forming galaxies, and with a broad component consistent with the broad component of H$\alpha$. Overall, these findings indicate that LRDs and LBDs are both powered by growing black holes and their ionizing radiation escapes to ionize the surrounding interstellar medium (ISM). The broad Balmer lines ($H\alpha_b$ and $H\beta_b$) have different apparent properties: LBDs have EW(H$\alpha _b$) and $H\alpha_b/H\beta_b$ broadly consistent with normal AGN, while LRDs have higher values of both quantities, although still in the tail of the quasars distribution. LRD models in which a gas envelope completely encases the black hole, are inconsistent with these results -- these scenarios need modification to include clumpiness, or a (classical) equatorial geometry, letting ionizing photons reach the ISM. The different broad Balmer properties imply that LBDs cannot simply be LRDs with more galaxy contribution. Scenarios in which LRDs are simply dust-obscured LBDs seem broadly consistent with the observations. Finally, these results indicate that LRDs' bolometric luminosities estimated assuming isotropic emission and complete covering by the absorber are inadequate. The few X-ray-detected LRDs suggest no deviation from the standard AGN bolometric corrections, once absorption is accounted for.

astro-ph.GA

JADES: the mass-metallicity relation at $z=1-10$. New calibrations, extremely metal-poor galaxies, and chemical diversity

We present gas-phase metallicities of star-forming galaxies at $z=1$-10 with deep JWST/NIRSpec spectra from the JADES full data release, Dark Horse, and OASIS programmes. We stack $\sim$1500 medium-resolution spectra, yielding detections of the [OIII]$\lambda$4363 auroral line down to $12+\log(\mathrm{O/H})=7.0$ to derive stack-based strong-line calibrations over the metallicity range $12+\log(\mathrm{O/H})=7.0$-8.7. At a fixed metallicity, our stacks exhibit [OIII]$\lambda$5007/H$\beta$ and [OIII]$\lambda$5007/[OII]$\lambda\lambda$3726,3729 values generally lower than calibrations based on high-$z$ individual auroral-line emitters, suggesting an observational bias towards higher excitation introduced when requiring auroral line detections in individual spectra. Based on our new calibrations, we obtain canonical mass-metallicity relations (MZRs) at z$=$1-10, identifying a decrease in metallicities from $z\sim0$ to z$\sim$4-10, without significant change in slope. Moreover, we identify 50 promising candidates of extremely metal-poor galaxies (EMPGs) with $12+\log(\mathrm{O/H})=6.7$-7.3 (1-4\% solar metallicity) at $z=1.2$-9.1. The MZRs of EMPGs are characterised by a large scatter, with those having lower metallicities generally exhibiting lower sSFRs, opposite of what expected from the local Fundamental Metallicity Relation. These results support a stochastic star-formation history involving gas consumption/ejection and metal-poor inflow, strongly affecting metallicities of low-mass galaxies. Furthermore, we identify two Little Red Dots in our EMPG candidates, both exhibiting broad H$\alpha$ and prominent Ly$\alpha$, offering insights into the early black-hole growth in extremely metal-poor environments.

astro-ph.GA

JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES) Data Release 5: stellar population catalogue for galaxies in GOODS-N and GOODS-S

We present the galaxy stellar population catalogue from the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES) Data Release 5 (DR5), providing homogeneous Bayesian inference of physical galaxy properties in GOODS-N and GOODS-S. Using deep JWST/NIRCam and MIRI imaging combined with ancillary multi-wavelength data, we model the spectral energy distributions of ~500,000 sources with the Prospector framework. Our modelling incorporates flexible non-parametric star-formation histories (SFHs), nebular emission, dust attenuation, metallicities, and mid-infrared AGN and dust emission. We adopt an evolving star-forming main sequence (SFMS) prior for modelling the SFHs, which provides a physically-motivated long-term shape of SFHs while retaining non-parametric flexibility. The prior links stellar mass growth and SFR through the observed redshift-dependent SFMS, shaping the global behaviour of the inferred SFHs but allowing substantial deviations and scatters wherever supported by the data. We derive posterior distributions for stellar masses, SFRs, SFHs, dust attenuation, metallicities, and AGN contributions. The depth and wavelength coverage of JADES enable robust stellar mass measurements down to low-mass limits, as well as improved constraints on recent star-formation activity for ~350,000 galaxies at z = 1 - 9. The adoption of a physically motivated prior mitigates unphysical solutions and reduces degeneracies between redshift, age, dust, and metallicity, particularly for faint sources. We validate the catalogue through consistency checks and comparison to spectroscopic redshifts where available. The resulting value-added catalogue provides a uniform set of stellar population parameters suitable for statistical studies of galaxy growth, quenching, and the build-up of stellar mass across cosmic time. The full catalogue and posterior summaries are publicly released as part of JADES DR5.

astro-ph.GA

The Cliff: A Metal-Poor Little Red Dot Hosting an Overmassive Black Hole at $z = 3.55$

JWST has revealed a large population of massive black holes (BHs) in the early Universe with unusual properties which mark them as distinct from low-redshift active galactic nuclei. Such findings have prompted the development of new models of BH formation and growth, and of their co-evolution with host galaxies. Linking the gas-phase metallicity of BH environments to seed masses is key to understanding which evolutionary pathways could explain the population of JWST-discovered BHs. We present new high-resolution JWST NIRSpec/IFU observations covering the rest-frame optical emission lines of a Little Red Dot (LRD) at $z=3.55$, known as The Cliff, from the `Red Unknowns: Bright Infrared Extragalactic Survey' (RUBIES). We find evidence for low metallicity ($Z=0.017\pm0.004 \ Z_\odot$) based on the low narrow-line [OIII]$\lambda5007$/H$\beta$ ratio, supported by the non-detection of low-ionisation emission lines such as [OII]$\lambda\lambda3727,3729$ and [NII]$\lambda\lambda6548,6583$. We find that the observed properties of The Cliff, including its overmassive BH, can be reproduced by some simulations of black hole growth and evolution down to $z\sim3.5$. However, these simulation runs require high seed masses ($10^4 - 10^5\ M_\odot$) and appear as rarely in the simulation volume as in the RUBIES survey volume over redshifts $3<z<4$, highlighting the unusual nature of The Cliff. Future simulations and numerical models will help to uncover how such a metal poor system managed to develop a massive black hole and persist to such low redshift.

astro-ph.GA

Holes in the BH$^\star$? AGN signatures in the FUV spectrum of a black-hole dominated Little Red Dot at $z=7.04$

It has been suggested that "Little Red Dots" (LRDs) might be accreting black holes enshrouded by dense gas in a nearly closed geometry, which completely covers the central black hole, leading to an atmosphere-like structure known as the "black-hole star" ($\rm BH^\star$). We test this scenario by analysing new JWST spectroscopy in the far ultraviolet (FUV, rest-frame) of the prototypical LRD Abell2744-QSO1, at $z=7.04$. We found the presence of broad Ly$\alpha$ emission with an FWHM of $\sim 1000$ km/s, and detections of OI, CIV, and/or FeII emission lines. The NIRCam imaging and NIRSpec slit images indicate that the low-velocity component ($v\lesssim 200$ km/s) of Ly$\alpha$ is likely spatially extended, but the high-velocity component ($v\gtrsim 200$ km/s) of Ly$\alpha$ remains unresolved. Based on the multi-component kinematics and flux of Ly$\alpha$ relative to Balmer lines, we conclude that the observed line profile is unlikely to be broadened by subsequent resonant scattering through the interstellar medium. This suggests that the high-velocity component of Ly$\alpha$ originates in the broad-line region, although resonant scattering in the dense gas likely makes Ly$\alpha$ broader than H$\alpha$ as observed. The nebular features of this LRD indicate that there is at least one relatively optically thin direction where Ly$\alpha$ can escape from the broad-line region (BLR). We also found indications that photons from the BLR are powering fluorescence of FeII and OI on a larger physical scale. The FUV features thus challenge the fully-covered geometry interpretation and suggest that there are "holes" in the $\rm BH^\star$, or the absorbing medium is simply clumpy.

astro-ph.GA

Chemical Abundance Ratios of Nitrogen Rich Galaxies Identified at $z\sim 6-12$: Observational Demographics and Models

We present chemical abundance ratios of 8 nitrogen-rich ([N/O]$>0.3$) galaxies at $z\sim 6-12$ identified by the first 4 years of the JWST observations, and compare these ratios with chemical evolution models. We reanalyze the JWST/NIRSpec data of these galaxies in the self-consistent manner for line fluxes and upper limits including those previously unconstrained. We derive the abundance ratios and constraints of [N/O], [C/O], [Ne/O], [Ne/C], [Ar/O], [S/O] and [Fe/O], characterizing the nebulae in the galaxies with the electron temperatures and densities measured with {\sc[Oiii]}$\lambda4363$ and {\sc[Oii]}$\lambda\lambda3727, 3729$ lines, respectively. We develop the chemical evolution models for the three major scenarios, Wolf-Rayet stars, supermassive stars, and tidal disruption events (TDEs) with the AGB star contribution, integrating the ejecta of the stars and core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) over the age with yields calculated by numerical simulations. We compare the models with the [N/O] measurements and stellar ages, and find that all of the scenarios reproduce [N/O] as high as those of our galaxies. However, the time-scales of the high [N/O] ratios are too short to explain our galaxies in any of the scenarios, suggestive of very frequent failed supernovae that do not increase oxygen against nitrogen. We find that the three scenarios are distinguished in the plane of [Ne/C] vs. [N/O] due to Ne production outside CNO cycle, and that the observed abundance ratios are explained by the Wolf-Rayet models better than supermassive-star and TDE models. We argue that abundance ratios of various elements and time scales are clues for understanding nitrogen-rich galaxies.

astro-ph.GA

GA-NIFS and JADES: Confirmation of pristine gas near GN-z11

According to the leading cosmological model, a first generation of stars called Population III (PopIII), condensed almost entirely out of hydrogen and helium, must have initiated the creation of all heavier chemical elements. We report the detection of ionised hydrogen (H$\gamma_{4342}$) with a signal-to-noise ratio of $S/N$=5.9 in a region about 3 pkpc (projected) north-east from the z~10.6 galaxy GN-z11, where line emission compatible with doubly ionised helium (HeII$_{1640}$) has been found. Our new JWST/NIRSpec-IFU G395H data confirm the authenticity of the previous detection at a redshift of $z_{\rm H\gamma}$=$10.5862$$\pm$$0.0003$. H$\delta$ is marginally detected ($S/N$$\sim$$2$). No metal lines are detected in our observations spanning $\lambda_{\rm rest}$=$0.25$-$0.45\mu$m. We derive a $3\sigma$ upper limit on the gas phase metallicity of 12+log(O/H)$<$7.0 ($Z_{\rm gas}$$<$$0.02$ $Z_\odot$). Through comparison with NIRCam imaging, we constrain a lower limit on the equivalent width of EW$_0$(H$\gamma$)$>$350\r{A}. We compare our emission line constraints to model predictions and find them compatible with photoionisation by PopIII stars, possibly intermixed with next-generation (PopII) stars. We infer an upper limit on the dynamical mass of $M_{\rm dyn}$$\lesssim$$3$$\times$$10^8M_\odot$. Our data provide novel support for the presence of PopIII stars nearby GN-z11, 440 Myr after the Big Bang.

astro-ph.GA

The search for Population III: Confirmation of a HeII emitter with no metal lines at z=10.6

We report the confirmation of a HeII$\lambda$1640 emitter located at 3 pkpc from the galaxy GN-z11, at z=10.6. The detection, based on JWST NIRSpec-IFU high-resolution spectroscopy, confirms a previous claim based on medium-resolution spectroscopy. The HeII$\lambda$1640 identification is further supported by the independent detection of H$\gamma$ obtained by \"Ubler et al. (2026) at the same location. The HeII emission is spectrally resolved in two components separated by 120 km/s. The Equivalent Width of the HeII emission is extremely high ($>$20 A). No metal lines are detected. We argue that Population III stars are the most plausible explanation for the observed He II emission, with no satisfactory alternative from other classes of sources or mechanisms.

astro-ph.GA

GA-NIFS: Dissecting The Alchemised: JWST reveals turbulent metal-poor gas fuelling a co-spatial starburst in a complex system at $z=10.17$

Recent observations revealed that distant galaxies have bursty star formation histories, regulated by stellar or active galactic nuclei (AGN) feedback and gas inflows. According to theoretical models, feedback preferentially removes metal-rich gas, while subsequent starbursts are triggered by mergers and newly accreted gas that is generally less enriched than the galaxy's interstellar medium (ISM). Therefore, gas-phase metallicity provides key insights into the baryonic processes shaping early galaxies. We present the first NIRSpec/IFU study of spatially resolved ISM properties in the MACS0647-JD system ($z=10.17$). The system consists of two stellar components detected in NIRSpec/IFU and NIRCam photometry. The main component ($\log \left(M_{\ast}/M_{\odot}\right)=7.77 \pm0.09$; $12+\log\left(\rm O/H\right)=7.89 \pm 0.16$) is more massive and significantly more metal-rich compared to its companion ($\log \left(M_{\ast}/M_{\odot}\right)=7.42\pm0.07$; $12+\log\left(\rm O/H\right)=7.47 \pm 0.20$), suggesting an older stellar population and a prolonged chemical enrichment history. We find that the H$\gamma$ line emission centroid is spatially offset by $\sim 0.1^{\prime \prime}$ (150 pc in the source plane) from the stellar continuum centroid; the latter coincides with the location of the main stellar component. This offset provides possible evidence of a merger-driven starburst in this system. By comparing the spatial distributions of the metallicity, velocity dispersion, and the burstiness of star formation history, we infer the presence of turbulent, metal-poor gas outside the stellar components. %detected in both NIRSpec/IFU and NIRCam photometry. This metal-poor, dynamically unstable gas is likely responsible for the enhanced recent star formation in the north-east region of the system.

astro-ph.GA

A UV-Luminous Galaxy at z=11 with Surprisingly Weak Star Formation Activity

One of the major discoveries by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the identification of a large population of luminous galaxies at $z>10$, challenging theoretical models for early galaxy formation. The unexpectedly high number density of these systems has triggered intense debate about potential differences in the physical properties of galaxies at such extreme redshifts and those at lower redshift. However, progress has been limited by the lack of rest-frame optical diagnostics, which are critical for constraining the key properties. Here we present deep JWST/MIRI observations of a UV-luminous galaxy at $z=11.04$, CEERS2-588, only 400 Myr after the Big Bang. CEERS2-588 is detected in the MIRI F560W and F770W bands, while deep MIRI/MRS spectroscopy yields no detection of H$\alpha$ or [OIII]$\lambda5007$ line, revealing a prominent Balmer break detected for the first time at $z>10$. Spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting indicates an extended star formation history possibly reaching $z>15$, followed by rapid quenching within the recent $\sim10$ Myr, in stark contrast to other $z>10$ galaxies. The MIRI detections also significantly improve our stellar mass estimate to $\mathrm{log}(M_*/M_\odot)=9.1^{+0.1}_{-0.1}$, making CEERS2-588 the most massive galaxy securely confirmed at $z>10$. Remarkably, the inferred gas-phase metallicity is near solar, exceeding predictions from current theoretical models. These results suggest that efficient starbursts play a key role in producing the abundant luminous galaxy population in the early universe.

astro-ph.GA

Nitrogen enhancement of GN-z11 by metal pollution from supermassive stars

Spectroscopic observations by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have revealed young, compact, high-redshift ($z$) galaxies with high nitrogen-to-oxygen (N/O) ratios. GN-z11 at z=10.6 is one of these galaxies. One possible scenario for such a high N/O ratio is pollution from supermassive stars (SMSs), from which stellar winds are expected to be nitrogen-rich. The abundance pattern is determined by both galaxy evolution and SMS pollution, but so far, simple one-zone models have been used. Using a galaxy formation simulation, we tested the SMS scenario. We used a cosmological zoom-in simulation that includes chemical evolution driven by rotating massive stars (Wolf-Rayet stars), supernovae, and asymptotic giant branch stars. As a post-process, we assumed the formation of an SMS with a mass between $10^3$ and $10^5$ $M_\odot$ and investigated the contribution of its ejecta to the abundance pattern. The N/O ratio was enhanced by the SMS ejecta, and the abundance pattern of GN-z11, including carbon-to-oxygen and oxygen-to-hydrogen ratios, was reproduced by our SMS pollution model if the pollution mass fraction ranges within 10-30 per cent. Such a pollution fraction can be realized when the gas ionized by the SMS is polluted, and the gas density is $10^4$-$10^5$ cm$^{-3}$ assuming a Str\"omgren sphere. We also compared the abundance pattern with those of other N/O-enhanced high-$z$ galaxies. Some of these galaxies can also be explained by SMS pollution.

astro-ph.GA

Bursty star formation, chemical enrichment, and star cluster formation in numerical analogues of GN-z11

The James Webb Space Telescope reveals anomalous nitrogen enrichment (high N/O ratios) in compact, star-forming galaxies, such as GN-z11 at $z\sim10$. The origin of this chemical signature provides an insight into the early star and galaxy formation processes, yet remains unclear. We performed high-resolution cosmological zoom-in simulations of massive galaxies at high redshift ($z\sim10$) in rare density peaks, incorporating various chemical evolution channels including stellar winds, core-collapse, Type Ia supernovae, and asymptotic giant branch stars. Our simulations reproduce several key features of high-redshift galaxies: (1) stars form with high efficiencies ($>0.1$) at the center of rare peak halos, creating very compact galaxies similar to GN-z11; (2) high N/O ratios emerge during the first 10-20 Myr of intense starburst, before being diluted by CCSNe; (3) multiple star clusters form in and around the galaxy with high efficiency ($\sim20\%$), some of which exhibit high N/O ratios and sodium-oxygen anti-correlations similar to those observed in local globular clusters. Although our simulations can reproduce the high log(N/O) values (up to -0.61, exceeding the solar value by 0.25 dex), they remain below the observational lower limits of GN-z11, indicating room for improvement through additional chemical evolution channels, such as supermassive stars.

astro-ph.GA

JADES Dark Horse: demonstrating high-multiplex observations with JWST/NIRSpec dense-shutter spectroscopy in the JADES Origins Field

We present JWST/NIRSpec dense-shutter spectroscopy (DSS). This novel observing strategy with the NIRSpec/MSA deliberately permits a high number of controlled spectral overlaps to reach extreme multiplex while retaining the low background of slit spectroscopy. In a single configuration over the JADES Origins Field, we opened shutters on all faint (mF444W$<$30 mag) z$_\mathrm{phot}>$3 candidates, prioritising emission-line science and rejecting only bright continuum sources. Using 33.6 and 35.8 ks on-source in G235M and G395M, we observed a single mask with $\sim$850 sources, obtaining spectroscopic redshifts for $\sim$540 galaxies over 2.5$<$z$<$8.9. The per-configuration target density in DSS mode is 4-5x higher than standard no- and low-overlap MSA strategies ($<$200 sources), with no loss in redshift precision or accuracy. Line-flux sensitivities are 30 percent lower at fixed exposure time, matching the expected increase in background noise, but the gain in survey speed is 5x in our setup, more than justifying the penalty. The measured line sensitivity exceeds NIRCam/WFSS by at least $\sim$5x ($\sim$25x in exposure time) at $\lambda\sim4\,\mu$m, demonstrating that DSS is a compelling method to gain deep, wide-band spectra for large samples. Crucially, NIRSpec/MSA could deliver even higher target allocation densities than those used here. We derive H$\alpha$-based SFRs, gas-phase metallicities (including a large sample suitable for strong-line calibrations), and identify rare mini-quenched galaxies and broadline AGN. DSS is immediately applicable wherever deep imaging enables robust pre-selection and astrometry, providing an efficient method to obtain large samples of faint emission-line galaxies, a compelling middle ground between the completeness of slitless surveys and the sensitivity and bandwidth of NIRSpec/MSA.

astro-ph.GA

Black Holes in the Shadow: The Missing High-Ionization Lines in the Earliest JWST AGNs

Observations with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have uncovered a substantial population of high-redshift, broad-line active galactic nuclei (AGNs), whose properties challenge standard models of black hole growth and AGN emission. We analyze a spectroscopic sample of 34 Type 1 AGNs from the JWST Advanced Deep Survey (JADES) survey, spanning redshifts 1.7 < z < 9, to constrain the physical nature of the accretion flows powering these sources with broad-line diagnostics statistically for the first time. At z > 5, we find a marked suppression of high-ionization emission lines (HeII, CIV, NV) relative to prominent broad Halpha and narrow [OIII] features. This contrast places strong constraints on the shape of the ionizing spectral energy distribution (SED) and on the physical conditions in the broad-line region (BLR). By comparing the observations to photoionization models based on SEDs of black holes accreting at sub-Eddington ratios, we show that standard AGN continua struggle to reproduce the observed broad line ratios and equivalent widths across a wide ionization parameter range. These results suggest the need for modified SEDs -- either intrinsically softened due to super-Eddington accretion or radiative inefficiencies in the innermost disk, or externally filtered by intervening optically thick gas that absorbs or scatters the highest-energy photons before they reach the BLR.

astro-ph.GA

BlackTHUNDER: Shedding light on a dormant and extreme little red dot at z=8.50

Recent photometric surveys with JWST have revealed a significant population of mysterious objects with red colours, compact morphologies, frequent signs of active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity, and negligible X-ray emission. These 'Little Red Dots' (LRDs) have been explored through spectral and photometric studies, but their nature is still under debate. As part of the BlackTHUNDER survey, we have observed UNCOVER_20466, one of the most distant LRDs known (z=8.5), with the JWST/NIRSpec IFU. Previous JWST/NIRCam and JWST/NIRSpec MSA observations of this source revealed its LRD nature, as well as the presence of an AGN. Using our NIRSpec IFU data, we confirm that UNCOVER_20466 is an LRD (based on spectral slopes and compactness) that contains an overmassive black hole. However, our observed Balmer decrements do not suggest strong dust attenuation, resulting in a lower Hbeta-based bolometric luminosity and Eddington luminosity (~10%) than previously found. This source lies on local relations between M_BH-sigma_* and M_BH-M_Dyn, suggesting that this could be a progenitor of the core of a lower-redshift galaxy. We explore the possible evolution of this source, finding evidence for substantial black hole accretion in the past and a likely origin as a heavy seed at high redshift (~10^3Msol). Lyman-alpha emission is strongly detected, implying f_esc,Lya~30%. The extremely high [OIII]4363/Hgamma ratio is indicative of not only AGN photoionization and heating, but also extremely high densities (ne~10^7cm-3), suggesting that this black hole at such high redshift may be forming in an ultra-dense protogalaxy.

astro-ph.GA