Multiphase outflows in post-starburst E+A galaxies - II. A direct connection between the neutral and ionized outflow phases

Abstract

ABSTRACT Post-starburst E+A galaxies are systems that hosted a powerful starburst that was quenched abruptly. Simulations suggest that these systems provide the missing link between major merger ULIRGs and red and dead ellipticals, where AGN feedback is responsible for the expulsion or destruction of the molecular gas. However, many details remain unresolved and little is known about AGN-driven winds in this short-lived phase. We present spatially resolved IFU spectroscopy with MUSE/VLT of SDSS J124754.95-033738.6, a post-starburst E+A galaxy with a recent starburst that started 70 Myr ago and ended 30 Myr ago, with a peak SFR of $\sim 150\, \mathrm{M_{\odot }\,yr^{ -1}}$. We detect disturbed gas throughout the entire field of view, suggesting triggering by a minor merger. We detect fast-moving multiphased gas clouds, embedded in a double-cone face-on outflow, which are traced by ionized emission lines and neutral NaID emission and absorption lines. We find remarkable similarities between the kinematics, spatial extents, and line luminosities of the ionized and neutral gas phases, and propose a model in which they are part of the same outflowing clouds, which are exposed to both stellar and AGN radiation. Our photoionization model provides consistent ionized line ratios, NaID absorption optical depths and EWs, and dust reddening. Using the model, we estimate, for the first time, the neutral-to-ionized gas mass ratio (about 20), the sodium neutral fraction, and the size of the outflowing clouds. This is one of the best ever observed direct connections between the neutral and ionized outflow phases in AGN.