Present-day Star Formation Rate Research Articles

The Lockman-SpReSO project

Aims. In this work, we carry out a comprehensive study using galaxy data from the Lockman Spectroscopic Redshift Survey using Osiris (Lockman-SpReSO) project, a far-infrared (FIR) selected sample of galaxies observed using optical spectroscopy. We analyse a sub-sample of star-forming galaxies (SFGs) with secure spectroscopic redshifts, mostly in the luminous infrared (IR) galaxy domain. From these galaxies, parameters such as the extinction, star formation rate (SFR), and metallicity have been derived. The present paper examines how these properties evolve in relation to each other and in comparison with low-redshift FIR and non-FIR-selected samples of galaxies. Methods. We applied distinct selection criteria to attain an SFG sample with minimal AGN contamination. Multiple approaches were used to estimate the intrinsic extinction, SFR, and gas-phase metallicity for the SFGs. In conjunction with findings in the literature, we examined the correlation between SFRs and stellar masses (M*), as well as the metallicity evolution depending on M*. Finally, we also studied the 3D relationship between M*, SFR, and metallicity. Results. From the initial spectroscopic sample of 409 FIR-selected objects from the Lockman-SpReSO catalogue, 69 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) were identified and excluded (17%), which is nearly double the percentage found in local studies, leaving us with a sample of 340 SFGs. The analysis of the M*–SFR relationship revealed that Lockman-SpReSO IR-selected SFGs show signs of evolution at redshifts z > 0.4, shifting above the main sequence (MS), with a mean value of ∼0.4 dex. They are located within the starburst galaxy region since 78% of the galaxies fall into this category. In addition, no evident flattening was found in the relation to specific SFR with redshift for log M* (M⊙)≳10.5. In line with the M*–metallicity relation (MZR) outcomes published in previous studies for optically selected SFGs; however, during the analysis of the MZR, it was found that IR-selected SFGs exhibit lower metallicities than the values anticipated on the basis of their M* and redshift. During the investigation of the 3D M*–SFR–metallicity relation (FP), it was established that the research sample is consistent with relations published in the existing literature, with an average scatter of ∼0.2 dex. However, a re-calibration of the FP when using the SFR obtained from the IR luminosity is required and, in this case, no attenuation in the correlation for log M* (M⊙)≳10.5 was observed. This result points to a possible evolution of the more massive fraction of the sample in the sense that the present-day star formation rate is lower with respect to the average rate of star formation in the past.

Forming stars in a dual AGN host: molecular and ionized gas in the nearby, luminous infrared merger, Mrk 266

ABSTRACT We present star formation rates based on cold and ionized gas measurements of Mrk 266 (NGC 5256), a system composed of two colliding gas-rich galaxies, each hosting an active galactic nucleus. Using 12CO (1-0) observations with the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-Wave Astronomy (CARMA), we find a total H2 mass in the central region of 1.1 ± 0.3 × 1010 M⊙ which leads to a possible future star formation rate of 25 ± 10 M⊙ yr−1. With the Fourier Transform Spectrograph (SITELLE) on the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope, we measure an integrated H α luminosity and estimate a present-day star formation rate of 15 ± 2 M⊙ yr−1 in the core of the system (avoiding the two active nuclei). These results confirm that Mrk 266 is an intermediate stage merger with a relatively high recent star formation rate and enough molecular gas to sustain it for a few hundred million years. Inflowing gas associated with the merger may have triggered both the starburst episode and two active galactic nuclei but the two galaxy components differ: the region around the south-western nucleus appears to be more active than the north-east nucleus, which seems relatively quiet. We speculate that this difference may originate in the properties of the interstellar medium in the two systems.

Multi-epoch machine learning 1: Unravelling nature versus nurture for galaxy formation

Abstract We present a novel machine learning method for predicting the baryonic properties of dark matter only subhalos from N-body simulations. Our model is built using the extremely randomized tree (ERT) algorithm and takes subhalo properties over a wide range of redshifts as its input features. We train our model using the IllustrisTNG simulations to predict blackhole mass, gas mass, magnitudes, star formation rate, stellar mass, and metallicity. We compare the results of our method with a baseline model from previous works, and against a model that only considers the mass history of the subhalo. We find that our new model significantly outperforms both of the other models. We then investigate the predictive power of each input by looking at feature importance scores from the ERT algorithm. We produce feature importance plots for each baryonic property, and find that they differ significantly. We identify low redshifts as being most important for predicting star formation rate and gas mass, with high redshifts being most important for predicting stellar mass and metallicity, and consider what this implies for nature versus nurture. We find that the physical properties of galaxies investigated in this study are all driven by nurture and not nature. The only property showing a somewhat stronger impact of nature is the present-day star formation rate of galaxies. Finally we verify that the feature importance plots are discovering physical patterns, and that the trends shown are not an artefact of the ERT algorithm.

A global view on star formation: The GLOSTAR Galactic plane survey

Context. The Central Molecular Zone (CMZ), a ∼200 pc sized region around the Galactic Centre, is peculiar in that it shows a star formation rate (SFR) that is suppressed with respect to the available dense gas. To study the SFR in the CMZ, young stellar objects (YSOs) can be investigated. Here we present radio observations of 334 2.2 μm infrared sources that have been identified as YSO candidates. Aims. Our goal is to investigate the presence of centimetre wavelength radio continuum counterparts to this sample of YSO candidates which we use to constrain the current SFR in the CMZ. Methods. As part of the GLObal view on STAR formation (GLOSTAR) survey, D-configuration Very Large Array data were obtained for the Galactic Centre, covering −2° < l < 2° and −1° < b < 1° with a frequency coverage of 4–8 GHz. We matched YSOs with radio continuum sources based on selection criteria and classified these radio sources as potential H II regions and determined their physical properties. Results. Of the 334 YSO candidates, we found 35 with radio continuum counterparts. We find that 94 YSOs are associated with dense dust condensations identified in the 870 μm ATLASGAL survey, of which 14 have a GLOSTAR counterpart. Of the 35 YSOs with radio counterparts, 11 are confirmed as H II regions based on their spectral indices and the literature. We estimated their Lyman continuum photon flux in order to estimate the mass of the ionising star. Combining these with known sources, the present-day SFR in the CMZ is calculated to be ∼0.068 M⊙ yr−1, which is ∼6.8% of the Galactic SFR. Candidate YSOs that lack radio counterparts may not have yet evolved to the stage of exhibiting an H II region or, conversely, are older and have dispersed their natal clouds. Since many lack dust emission, the latter is more likely. Our SFR estimate in the CMZ is in agreement with previous estimates in the literature.

Quenching and morphological evolution due to circumgalactic gas expulsion in a simulated galaxy with a controlled assembly history

ABSTRACT We examine the influence of dark matter halo assembly on the evolution of a simulated ∼L⋆ galaxy. Starting from a zoom-in simulation of a star-forming galaxy evolved with the EAGLE galaxy formation model, we use the genetic modification technique to create a pair of complementary assembly histories: one in which the halo assembles later than in the unmodified case, and one in which it assembles earlier. Delayed assembly leads to the galaxy exhibiting a greater present-day star formation rate than its unmodified counterpart, while in the accelerated case the galaxy quenches at z ≃ 1, and becomes spheroidal. We simulate each assembly history nine times, adopting different seeds for the random number generator used by EAGLE’s stochastic subgrid implementations of star formation and feedback. The systematic changes driven by differences in assembly history are significantly stronger than the random scatter induced by this stochasticity. The sensitivity of ∼L⋆ galaxy evolution to dark matter halo assembly follows from the close coupling of the growth histories of the central black hole (BH) and the halo, such that earlier assembly fosters the formation of a more massive BH, and more efficient expulsion of circumgalactic gas. In response to this expulsion, the circumgalactic medium reconfigures at a lower density, extending its cooling time and thus inhibiting the replenishment of the interstellar medium. Our results indicate that halo assembly history significantly influences the evolution of ∼L⋆ central galaxies, and that the expulsion of circumgalactic gas is a crucial step in quenching them.

The life cycle of the Central Molecular Zone – I. Inflow, star formation, and winds

ABSTRACT We present a study of the gas cycle and star formation history in the central 500 pc of the Milky Way, known as Central Molecular Zone (CMZ). Through hydrodynamical simulations of the inner 4.5 kpc of our Galaxy, we follow the gas cycle in a completely self-consistent way, starting from gas radial inflow due to the Galactic bar, the channelling of this gas into a dense, star-forming ring/stream at ≈200–300 pc from the Galactic centre, and the launching of galactic outflows powered by stellar feedback. We find that star formation activity in the CMZ goes through oscillatory burst/quench cycles, with a period of tens to hundreds of Myr, characterized by roughly constant gas mass but order-of-magnitude level variations in the star formation rate. Comparison with the observed present-day star formation rate of the CMZ suggests that we are currently near a minimum of this cycle. Stellar feedback drives a mainly two-phase wind off the Galactic disc. The warm phase dominates the mass flux, and carries $100\!-\!200{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the gas mass converted into stars. However, most of this gas goes into a fountain and falls back on to the disc rather than escaping the Galaxy. The hot phase carries most of the energy, with a time-averaged energy outflow rate of $10\!-\!20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the supernova energy budget.

THE COMPACT STAR-FORMING COMPLEX AT THE HEART OF NGC 253* † ‡

ABSTRACT We discuss integral field spectra of the compact star-forming complex that is the brightest near-infrared (NIR) source in the central regions of the starburst galaxy NGC 253. The spectra cover the H and K passbands and were recorded with the Gemini NIR Spectrograph during subarcsecond seeing conditions. Absorption features in the spectrum of the star-forming complex are weaker than in the surroundings. An absorption feature is found near 1.78 μm that coincides with the location of a C2 bandhead. If this feature is due to C2 then the star-forming complex has been in place for at least a few hundred Myr. Emission lines of Brγ, [Fe ii], and He i 2.06 μm do not track the NIR continuum light. Pockets of star-forming activity that do not have associated concentrations of red supergiants, and so likely have ages <8 Myr, are found along the western edge of the complex, and there is evidence that one such pocket contains a rich population of Wolf–Rayet stars. Unless the star-forming complex is significantly more metal-poor than the surroundings, then a significant fraction of its total mass is in stars with ages <8 Myr. If the present-day star formation rate is maintained then the timescale to double its stellar mass ranges from a few Myr to a few tens of Myr, depending on the contribution made by stars older than ∼8 Myr. If—as suggested by some studies—the star-forming complex is centered on the galaxy’s nucleus, which presumably contains a large population of old and intermediate-age stars, then the nucleus of NGC 253 is currently experiencing a phase of rapid growth in its stellar mass.

Variations in the Galactic star formation rate and density thresholds for star formation

The conversion of gas into stars is a fundamental process in astrophysics and cosmology. Stars are known to form from the gravitational collapse of dense clumps in interstellar molecular clouds, and it has been proposed that the resulting star formation rate is proportional to either the amount of mass above a threshold gas surface density, or the gas volume density. These star-formation prescriptions appear to hold in nearby molecular clouds in our Milky Way Galaxy's disk as well as in distant galaxies where the star formation rates are often much larger. The inner 500 pc of our Galaxy, the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ), contains the largest concentration of dense, high-surface density molecular gas in the Milky Way, providing an environment where the validity of star-formation prescriptions can be tested. Here we show that by several measures, the current star formation rate in the CMZ is an order-of-magnitude lower than the rates predicted by the currently accepted prescriptions. In particular, the region 1 deg < l < 3.5 deg, |b| < 0.5 deg contains ~10^7 Msun of dense molecular gas -- enough to form 1000 Orion-like clusters -- but the present-day star formation rate within this gas is only equivalent to that in Orion. In addition to density, another property of molecular clouds, such as the amplitude of turbulent motions, must be included in the star-formation prescription to predict the star formation rate in a given mass of molecular gas.

Using the Milky Way as a template for understanding star formation in extreme environments across cosmological timescales

AbstractRecent surface- and volume-density star formation relations have been proposed which potentially unify our understanding of how gas is converted into stars, from the nearest star forming regions to ultra-luminous infrared galaxies. The inner 500 pc of our Galaxy – the Central Molecular Zone – contains the largest concentration of dense, high-surface density molecular gas in the Milky Way, providing an environment where the validity of these star-formation prescriptions can be tested.We have used recently-available data from HOPS, MALT90 and HiGAL at wavelengths where the Galaxy is transparent, to find the dense, star-forming molecular gas across the Milky Way [Longmore et al. (2012a), Longmore et al. (2012b)]. We use water and methanol maser emission to trace star formation activity within the last 105 years and 30 GHz radio continuum emission from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Satellite (WMAP) to estimate the high-mass star formation rate averaged over the last ∼ 4 × 106 years.We find the dense gas distribution is dominated by the very bright and spatially-extended emission within a few degrees of the Galactic centre [Purcell et al. (2012)]. This region accounts for ∼80% of the NH3(1,1) integrated intensity but only contains 4% of the survey area. However, in stark contrast, the distribution of star formation activity tracers is relatively uniform across the Galaxy.To probe the dense gas vs SFR relationship towards the Galactic centre region more quantitatively, we compared the HiGAL column density maps to the WMAP-derived SFR across the same region. The total mass and SFR derived using these methods agree well with previous values in the literature. The main conclusion from this analysis is that both the column-density threshold and volumetric SF relations over-predict the SFR by an order of magnitude given the reservoir of dense gas available to form stars. The region 1° &lt; l &lt; 3.5°, |b| &lt; 0.5° is particular striking in this regard. It contains ∼107 M⊙ of dense molecular gas — enough to form 1000 Orion-like clusters — but the present-day star formation rate within this gas is only equivalent to that in Orion. This implication of this result is that any universal column/volume density relations must be a necessary but not sufficient condition for SF to occur.Understanding why such large reservoirs of dense gas deviate from commonly assumed SF relations is of fundamental importance and may help in the quest to understand SF in more extreme (dense) environments, like those found in interacting galaxies and at earlier epochs of the Universe.

A PAN-CARINA YOUNG STELLAR OBJECT CATALOG: INTERMEDIATE-MASS YOUNG STELLAR OBJECTS IN THE CARINA NEBULA IDENTIFIED VIA MID-INFRARED EXCESS EMISSION

We present a catalog of 1439 young stellar objects (YSOs) spanning the 1.42 deg^2 field surveyed by the Chandra Carina Complex Project (CCCP), which includes the major ionizing clusters and the most active sites of ongoing star formation within the Great Nebula in Carina. Candidate YSOs were identified via infrared (IR) excess emission from dusty circumstellar disks and envelopes, using data from the Spitzer Space Telescope Vela--Carina survey and the Two-Micron All Sky Survey. We model the 1--24 /mu m IR spectral energy distributions of the YSOs to constrain physical properties. Our Pan-Carina YSO Catalog (PCYC) is dominated by intermediate-mass (2 Msun < m < 10 Msun) objects with disks, including Herbig Ae/Be stars and their less evolved progenitors. The PCYC provides a valuable complementary dataset to the CCCP X-ray source catalogs, identifying 1029 YSOs in Carina with no X-ray detection. We also catalog 410 YSOs with X-ray counterparts, including 62 candidate protostars. Candidate protostars with X-ray detections tend to be more evolved than those without. In most cases, X-ray emission apparently originating from intermediate-mass, disk-dominated YSOs is consistent with the presence of low-mass companions, but we also find that X-ray emission correlates with cooler stellar photospheres and higher disk masses. We suggest that intermediate-mass YSOs produce X-rays during their early pre-main sequence evolution, perhaps driven by magnetic dynamo activity during the convective atmosphere phase, but this emission dies off as the stars approach the main sequence. Extrapolating over the stellar initial mass function scaled to the PCYC population, we predict a total population of >2x10^4 YSOs and a present-day star formation rate (SFR) of >0.008 Msun/yr. The global SFR in the Carina Nebula, averaged over the past ~5 Myr, has been approximately constant.

The stellar populations of M33's outer regions - IV. Inflow history and chemical evolution

We have modelled the observed colour–magnitude diagram (CMD) at one location in M33’s outskirts under the framework of a simple chemical evolution scenario which adopts instantaneous and delayed recycling for the nucleosynthetic products of Type II and Ia supernovae. In this scenario, interstellar gas forms stars at a rate modulated by the Kennicutt–Schmidt relation and gas outflow occurs at a rate proportional to the star formation rate (SFR). With this approach, we put broad constraints on the role of gas flows during this region’s evolution and compare its [α/Fe] versus [Fe/H] relation with that of other Local Group systems. We find that models with gas inflow are significantly better than the closed-box model at reproducing the observed distribution of stars in the CMD. The best models have a majority of gas inflow taking place in the last 7 Gyr, and relatively little in the last 3 Gyr. These models predict most stars in this region to have [α/Fe] ratios lower than the bulk of the Milky Way’s halo. The predictions for the present-day SFR, gas mass and oxygen abundance compare favourably to independent empirical estimates. Our results paint a picture in which M33’s outer disc formed from the protracted inflow of gas over several Gyr with at least half of the total inflow occurring since z ∼ 1.

Anisotropy in the distribution of satellites around primary galaxies in the 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey: the Holmberg effect

We have analysed a sample of satellite and primary galaxies in the 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey. In our study we find strong statistical evidence of the Holmberg effect (that is, a tendency for satellites to avoid regions along the line defined by the primary plane) within 500 kpc of the projected distance to the primary. This effect is present only when we restrict our analysis to objects with radial velocity relative to the primary |Δν| < 160 km s -1 , which corresponds approximately to the mean of the distribution. We explore the dependence of this anisotropy on spectral type (η), colours and luminosities of both primaries and satellites, finding that objects with a low present-day star formation rate present the most significant effect.

High-Resolution IRAS Maps and Infrared Emission of M31. I. Morphology and Sources

The morphology of the IR emission and the properties of discrete FIR sources in M31 disk are studied using the HiRes maps from IRAS. Very thin and bright FIR arm segments are shown in these maps, which have similar structure as the HI gas but with much enhanced arm/inter-arm contrast, typically a factor of 5 on the 60$\mu$m image. We identify 39 unconfused sources (excluding the nucleus) and 14 confused sources (7 pairs) at 60 $\mu$m by direct Gaussian fittings to the image. IRAS colors of 10 bright isolated sources are studied, which are presumably representative of the discrete sources in general. The colors follow the well known anticorrelation between the 60micron/100micron flux ratio and the 12micron/25micron flux ratio. All sources coincide with optical HII regions. A comparison with H$\alpha$ observations shows that the total luminosity (in the wavelength range 8 --- 1000$\mu$m) associated with HII regions is $7.2\pm 2.9 \; 10^8$L_sun, namely $30\pm 14$\% of the total IR emission of M31. This luminosity translates into a present-day star formation rate of 0.36$\pm 0.14$ M_sun/yr, about an order of magnitude lower than that of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Carbon monoxide (CO) in the Magellanic irregular galaxy NGC 55 and the N(H2)/W(CO) ratio in irregular galaxies

Using SEST 15 m telescope on La Silla in Chile, NGC 55 was searched and successfully mapped in the J = 1 -&gt; CO line. The distribution of CO corresponds well with the intense H I cloud near the bar of NGC 55. The extent of the CO cloud is about 975 pc along the major axis and 390 pc perpendicular to the major axis. Assuming virial equilibrium, the total molecular mass of the cloud is estimated to be 8 x 10^7^ M_sun_, implying that 80% of the cloud is molecular. The factor that transforms the velocity-integrated CO line, W(CO), into a column density of molecular hydrogen, N(H_2_), is found to be N(H_2_)/W(CO) = 60 x 10^20^ (molecules times higher than values for our Galaxy. This is confirmed by an independent estimate of the molecular gas mass as derived from dust masses which can be inferred from IRAS FIR fluxes. From a comparison to the metallicity seems to be inversely proportional to the nitrogen abundance. The present-day star formation rate is low, M^dot^ ~ 0.3 M_sun_ yr^-1^, but must have been higher in the past.

Luminous Stellar Content of the Galaxy: Inferences from Radio and Infrared Data

Lyman continuum (Lyc) photon production rates can be estimated from radio free-free emission and used to estimate the star formation rate (SFR) of 0 stars. If this SFR is linked to the total SFR through a constant IMF (m ≳0.1 m⊙) one derives for our Galaxy a present-day SFR of ∼10 m⊙ yr−1, which is close to the average SFR over the age of the galactic disk. This is difficult to reconcile with a formation law of the form SFR φ∝Mgask with k&gt;0 which yields SFRs which decrease with time. Even more severe is the fact that the mass distribution of the galactic disk cannot be reproduced by the present-day SFR with a constant IMF. Bimodal star formation, however, reduces the rate at which matter is permanently locked up in low mass and dead stars by nearly a factor of three, and gets reasonable agreement between the present-day distribution of stellar mass and lock-up rate. Bimodal star formation means that stars with m &gt;0.1 m⊙ form in the interarm region while in spiral arms induced star formation produces only stars with m &gt;mc ∼2–3 m⊙.

WOLF-RAYET STARS IN NEARBY GALAXIES : TRACERS OF THE MOST MASSIVE STARS.

ABSTRACT The properties and evolution of massive stars (⪆20 Msun;) are reviewed, along with methods of determining the massive star content of nearby galaxies. Owing to their short lifetimes, the frequency of various types of O stars provide a direct measure of the instantaneous initial mass function (IMF); the relative total number reflects the present-day star formation rate (SFR). As most Wolf-Rayet (W-R) stars are descended from only the most massive O-type stars, and are relatively easy to find by emission-line surveys, they can be used as probes of the massive star content in other galaxies. Recent studies of the W-R content of several Local Group galaxies are reviewed; these data indicate that factors of ≡3 differences exist in the present-day massive star content of galaxies of similar metallicity. There is some evidence that these differences are due in large part to differences in the IMF rather than in the SFR.

Star formation and abundance gradients in the galaxy

Star formation and abundance gradients in the galaxy