A Redline Starburst: Co(2–1) Observations of an Eddington-limited Galaxy Reveal Star Formation at Its Most Extreme
نویسندگان
چکیده
We report observations of the CO(2–1) emission of SDSS J1506+54, a compact (re ≈ 135 pc) starburst galaxy at z = 0.6. SDSS J1506+54 appears to be forming stars close to the limit allowed by stellar radiation pressure feedback models: the measured LIR/L′CO ≈ 1500 is one of the highest measured for any galaxy. With its compact optical morphology but extended low surface brightness envelope, post-starburst spectral features, high infrared luminosity (LIR > 10L⊙), low gas fraction (MH2/M⋆ ≈ 15%), and short gas depletion time (tens of Myr), we speculate that this is a feedback-limited central starburst episode at the conclusion of a major merger. Taken as such, SDSS J1504+54 epitomizes the brief closing stage of a classic model of galaxy growth: we are witnessing a key component of spheroid formation during what we term a ‘redline’ starburst. Subject headings: galaxies: starburst, evolution
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