Feedback-driven winds from star formation or active galactic nuclei might be a relevant channel for the abrupt quenching of star formation in massive galaxies. However, both observations and simulations support the idea that these processes are non-conflictingly co-evolving and self-regulating. Furthermore, evidence of disruptive events that are capable of fast quenching is rare, and constraints on their statistical prevalence are lacking. Here we present a massive starburst galaxy at redshift z=1.4, which is ejecting ~46% of its molecular gas mass at a startling rate of >10,000 solar masses per year. A broad component that is red-shifted from the galaxy emission is detected in four (low and high J) CO and [C I] transitions and in the ionized phase, which ensures a robust estimate of the expelled gas mass. The implied statistics suggest that similar events are potentially a major star-formation quenching channel. However, our observations provide compelling evidence that this is not a feedback-driven wind, but rather material from a merger that has been probably tidally ejected. This finding challenges some literature studies in which the role of feedback-driven winds might be overstated.
It may interest you
-
The cosmic evolution of the barred galaxy population provides key information about the secular evolution of galaxies and the settling of rotationally dominated discs. We study the bar fraction in the SMACSJ0723.37323 (SMACS0723) cluster of galaxies at z = 0.39 using the Early Release Observations obtained with the NIRCam instrument mounted on the JWST telescope. We visually inspected all cluster member galaxies using the images from the NIRCam F200W filter. We classified the galaxies into ellipticals and discs and determine the presence of a bar. The cluster member selection was based on aAdvertised on
-
La XXXIV Canary Islands Winter School of Astrophysics, organizada por el Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) y la Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), tendrá lugar entre los días 8 y 15 de noviembre. En esta edición, cerca de 60 estudiantes de 15 países se reunirán para conocer los últimos avances en el campo de la evolución de galaxias, con el Grupo Local como punto de referencia. Durante una semana, el edificio IACTEC, en el Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Tenerife (La Laguna), acogerá a 60 estudiantes de máster, doctorado y postdoctorado para nutrirse sobre las novedades del panoramaAdvertised on
-
The meeting, which will take place on Friday 1 March at 18:00, is being held on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and International Women's Day. The Museum of Science and the Cosmos, associated with the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), is hosting the Forum of Women Scientists and Technologists this Friday, with the aim of raising the profile of women in the STEM field and serving as a vocational inspiration for future generations. The event will consist of a round table discussion, which will take place in the Museum's assembly hall at 18:00 andAdvertised on