The Spatial Distribution of the He II λ4686 Emission Line in Compact H II Galaxies

Abstract

In this work, based on Integral Field Unit spectroscopy observations on the Gemini South telescope, we study the spatial distribution of the He II λ4686 emission line and its relationship with the properties of the interstellar medium in two compact H II galaxies (Tol 0104-388 and Tol 2146-391). We explore the possible mechanisms responsible for this high-ionization emission line. Our preliminary results indicate that this emission line and its spatial distribution is associated with a mix of sources, where most of the emission is likely due to the ionizing radiation from radiative shocks originates by the presence of a myriad of unresolved star clusters in the central regions. Wolf-Rayet stars can be excluded as the primary source producing the observed morphology of the He II λ4686 emission line.