Starburst Region Research Articles

The primordial helium abundance determination using multicomponent photoionization modelling of low-metallicity H II regions

The method for the multicomponent photoionization modelling (MPhM) of low-metallicity H II regions surrounding the starburst region was developed. The internal structure of the H II region has been determined using the evolutionary modelling of the superwind bubble surrounding the star-forming region. Models of Chevalier and Clegg (1985) and Weaver et al. (1977) have been used to determine the radial distribution of the gas density, the velocity of gas layers, and the temperature within internal components (the region of the superwind free expansion and the cavity, respectively). The chemical abundances in region of the superwind free expansion were obtained from the evolutionary population synthesis with including of rotating stars. The chemical abundances within cavity were defined by averaging over mass the chemical compositions of mixture of the abundances of gas from superwind and ones within outer component, because of gas evaporation from external component into the cavity. External components of our models describe a high-density, thin shell of gas formed by superwind shock and a typical undisturbed hydrodynamically H II region, respectively. Evolutionary grids of multicomponent low-metallicity models are calculated. A comparative analysis of the results of their calculation with the observed data has been carried out. The ionic abundances averaged over modelling volume as well as chemical composition assumed in models were used to derive the new expressions for ionization-correction factors that were used to redetermine the chemical compositions of 88 H II regions in blue compact dwarf galaxies. It must be noticed that we used for this propose the ionic abundances obtained by Izotov et al. (2007). In result the primordial helium abundance and its enrichment during stellar chemical evolution of matter were determined.

ALMA CO(3-2) Observations of Star-forming Filaments in a Gas-poor Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy

Abstract We report ALMA observations of 12CO(3-2) and 13CO(3-2) in the gas-poor dwarf galaxy NGC 5253. These 0.″3(5.5 pc) resolution images reveal small, dense molecular gas clouds that are located in kinematically distinct extended filaments. Some of the filaments appear to be falling into the galaxy and may be fueling its current star formation. The most intense CO(3–2) emission comes from the central ∼100 pc region centered on the luminous radio-infrared H ii region known as the supernebula. The CO(3–2) clumps within the starburst region are anti-correlated with Hα on ∼5 pc scales, but are well-correlated with radio free–free emission. Cloud D1, which enshrouds the supernebula, has a high 12CO/13CO ratio, as does another cloud within the central 100 pc starburst region, possibly because the clouds are hot. CO(3–2) emission alone does not allow determination of cloud masses as molecular gas temperature and column density are degenerate at the observed brightness, unless combined with other lines such as 13CO.

Evolution of Molecular Clouds in the Superwind Galaxy NGC 1808 Probed by ALMA Observations

Abstract ALMA imaging of the cold molecular medium in the nearby starburst galaxy NGC 1808 is presented. The observations reveal the distribution of molecular gas, traced by 12CO (1–0) and 12CO (3–2), and continuum (93 and 350 GHz) across the central 1 kpc starburst region at a high resolution of . A molecular gas torus (radius ∼ 30 pc) is discovered in the circumnuclear disk (CND; central 100 pc), with a high CO (3–2)/CO (1–0) ratio of ∼1, surrounded by massive (106– ) clouds with high star formation efficiency ( yr−1), molecular spiral arms, and a 500 pc pseudo-ring. The CND harbors a continuum core and molecular gas exhibiting peculiar motion. The new data confirm the line splitting along the minor galactic axis, interpreted as a nuclear gas outflow with average velocity ∼180 km s−1, and show evidence of a velocity gradient of km s−1 pc−1 along the axis. In addition, supershells expanding from the 500 pc ring with maximum velocities of ∼75 km s−1 are revealed. The distribution and CO luminosities of molecular clouds in the central 1 kpc starburst region indicate an evolutionary sequence, from gas accretion onto the 500 pc ring from the large-scale bar to enhanced star formation in the ring, and outflow as feedback.

The X-/γ-Ray Correlation in NGC 4945 and the Nature of Its γ-Ray Source

Abstract We report hints for the correlation between the X-ray and γ-ray emission in the nearby galaxy NGC 4945, which harbors both an active galactic nucleus and a nuclear starburst region. We have divided the Fermi/LAT observations of NGC 4945 into two data sets, comprising events detected during the low (L) and high (H) level of X-ray emission from the active nucleus of this galaxy, determined using the Swift/BAT light curve. Both data sets contain an equal amount of 3.8 years of LAT data and NGC 4945 is detected with a similar statistical significance of ∼ 15 σ in L and 14 σ in H. However, the slope of the γ-ray spectrum hardens with the increase of the X-ray flux, with the photon index Γ = 2.47 ± 0.07 in L and 2.11 ± 0.08 in H. The change is confirmed by a systematic variation of the spectral energy distribution as well as a substantial reversal of the γ-ray signal in significance maps for low and high γ-ray energies. The X-/γ-ray correlation indicates that the γ-ray production is dominated by the active nucleus rather than by cosmic rays interacting with the interstellar medium. We discuss possible locations of the γ-ray source. We also compare NGC 4945 with other starburst galaxies detected by LAT and we note similarities between those with active nuclei, e.g., unlikely high efficiencies of γ-ray production in starburst scenario, which argues for a significant contribution of their active nuclei to the γ-ray emission.

Spatially resolving the OH masers in M82

AbstractWith luminosities between those of typical Galactic OH masers and more distant OH megamasers, the masers in the nearby galaxy M82 are an interesting population which can be used to probe the physical conditions in the central starburst region of this irregular galaxy. Following on from previous low spatial resolution studies, here we present the initial results of two high-resolution observations separated by eight years. We find that some of the maser spots are resolved into multiple spatial components when observed with the EVN, as predicted by our previous studies, but that significantly less flux is recovered that that seen with the previous VLA observations. We conclude that some of this flux difference is likely due to variability but that, in common with the results seen in Arp220, there may also be a significant diffuse component.

A (likely) X-ray jet from NGC6217 observed by XMM–Newton

NGC6217 is a nearby spiral galaxy with a starburst region near its center. Evidence for a low luminosity Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) in its core has also been found in optical spectra. Intriguingly, X-ray observations by ROSAT revealed three knots aligned with the galaxy center, resembling a jet structure. This paper presents a study of XMM-Newton observations made to assess the hypothesis of a jet emitted from the center of NGC6217. The XMM data confirm the knots found with ROSAT and our spectral analysis shows that they have similar spectral properties with a hard photon index Gamma~1.7. The core of NGC6217 is well fitted by a model with an AGN and a starburst component, where the AGN contributes at most 46% of the total flux. The candidate jet has an apparent length ~15 kpc and a luminosity of ~5 X 10^38 erg/s. It stands out by being hosted by a spiral galaxy, since jets are more widely associated with ellipticals. To explain the jet launching mechanism we consider the hypothesis of an advection dominated accretion flow with a low accretion rate. The candidate jet emitted from NGC6217 is intriguing since it represents a challenge to the current knowledge of the connection between AGN, jets and host galaxies.

The Wolf-Rayet star population in the dwarf galaxy NGC 625

ABRIGED: Quantifying the number, type and distribution of W-R stars is a key component in the context of galaxy evolution, since they put constraints on the age of the star formation bursts. Nearby galaxies (d<5 Mpc) are particularly relevant in this context since they fill the gap between studies in the Local Group, where individual stars can be resolved, and galaxies in the Local Volume and beyond. We intend to characterize the W-R star population in NGC625, a low-metallicity dwarf galaxy suffering a currently declining burst of star formation. Optical IFS data have been obtained with the VIMOS-IFU covering the starburst region. We estimate the number of W-R stars using a linear combination of 3 W-R templates: 1 early-type nitrogen (WN) star, 1 late-type WN star and 1 carbon-type (WC) star (or oxygen-type (WO) star). Fits using several ensembles of templates were tested. Results were confronted with: i) high spatial resolution HST photometry; ii) numbers of W-R stars in nearby galaxies; iii) model predictions. The W-R star population is spread over the main body of the galaxy, not necessarily coincident with the overall stellar distribution. Our best estimation for the number of W-R stars yields a total of 28 W-R stars in the galaxy, out of which 17 are early- type WN, 6 are late-type WN and 5 are WC stars. The width of the stellar features nicely correlates with the dominant W-R type found in each aperture. The distribution of the different types of WR in the galaxy is roughly compatible with the way star formation has propagated in the galaxy, according to previous findings using HST images. Fits using templates at the metallicity of the LMC yield more reasonable number of W-R than those using templates at the metallicity of the SMC. Given the metallicity of NGC 625, this suggests a non-linear relation between the metallicity and the luminosity of the W-R spectral features.

Spatially resolved analysis of superluminous supernovae PTF 11hrq and PTF 12dam host galaxies

Superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) are the most luminous supernovae in the universe. They are found in extreme star-forming galaxies and are probably connected with the death of massive stars. One hallmark of very massive progenitors would be a tendency to explode in very dense, UV-bright, and blue regions. In this paper we investigate the resolved host galaxy properties of two nearby hydrogen-poor SLSNe, PTF~11hrq and PTF~12dam. For both galaxies \textit{Hubble Space Telescope} multi-filter images were obtained. Additionally, we performe integral field spectroscopy of the host galaxy of PTF~11hrq using the Very Large Telescope Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (VLT/MUSE), and investigate the line strength, metallicity and kinematics. Neither PTF~11hrq nor PTF~12dam occurred in the bluest part of their host galaxies, although both galaxies have overall blue UV-to-optical colors. The MUSE data reveal a bright starbursting region in the host of PTF~11hrq, although far from the SN location. The SN exploded close to a region with disturbed kinematics, bluer color, stronger [OIII], and lower metallicity. The host galaxy is likely interacting with a companion. PTF~12dam occurred in one of the brightest pixels, in a starbursting galaxy with a complex morphology and a tidal tail, where interaction is also very likely. We speculate that SLSN explosions may originate from stars generated during star-formation episodes triggered by interaction. High resolution imaging and integral field spectroscopy are fundamental for a better understanding of SLSNe explosion sites and how star formation varies across their host galaxies.

Spectral Energy Distribution and Radio Halo of NGC 253 at Low Radio Frequencies

Abstract We present new radio continuum observations of NGC 253 from the Murchison Widefield Array at frequencies between 76 and 227 MHz. We model the broadband radio spectral energy distribution for the total flux density of NGC 253 between 76 MHz and 11 GHz. The spectrum is best described as a sum of a central starburst and extended emission. The central component, corresponding to the inner 500 pc of the starburst region of the galaxy, is best modeled as an internally free–free absorbed synchrotron plasma, with a turnover frequency around 230 MHz. The extended emission component of the spectrum of NGC 253 is best described as a synchrotron emission flattening at low radio frequencies. We find that 34% of the extended emission (outside the central starburst region) at 1 GHz becomes partially absorbed at low radio frequencies. Most of this flattening occurs in the western region of the southeast halo, and may be indicative of synchrotron self-absorption of shock-reaccelerated electrons or an intrinsic low-energy cutoff of the electron distribution. Furthermore, we detect the large-scale synchrotron radio halo of NGC 253 in our radio images. At 154–231 MHz the halo displays the well known X-shaped/horn-like structure, and extends out to ∼8 kpc in the z-direction (from the major axis).

Dense Molecular Gas Tracers in the Outflow of the Starburst Galaxy NGC 253

Abstract We present a detailed study of a molecular outflow feature in the nearby starburst galaxy NGC 253 using ALMA. We find that this feature is clearly associated with the edge of NGC 253's prominent ionized outflow, has a projected length of ∼300 pc, with a width of ∼50 pc, and a velocity dispersion of ∼40 km s−1, which is consistent with an ejection from the disk about 1 Myr ago. The kinematics of the molecular gas in this feature can be interpreted (albeit not uniquely) as accelerating at a rate of 1 km s−1 pc−1. In this scenario, the gas is approaching an escape velocity at the last measured point. Strikingly, bright tracers of dense molecular gas (HCN, CN, HCO+, CS) are also detected in the molecular outflow: we measure an HCN(1–0)/CO(1–0) line ratio of in the outflow, similar to that in the central starburst region of NGC 253 and other starburst galaxies. By contrast, the HCN/CO line ratio in the NGC 253 disk is significantly lower ( ), similar to other nearby galaxy disks. This strongly suggests that the streamer gas originates from the starburst, and that its physical state does not change significantly over timescales of ∼1 Myr during its entrainment in the outflow. Simple calculations indicate that radiation pressure is not the main mechanism for driving the outflow. The presence of such dense material in molecular outflows needs to be accounted for in simulations of galactic outflows.

The Young and the Massive: Stars at the upper end of the Initial Mass Function

AbstractThe upper mass limit of stars remains an open question in astrophysics. Here we discuss observations of the most massive stars (greater than 100 solar masses) in the local universe and how the observations fit in with theoretical predictions. In particular, the Large Magellanic Cloud plays host to numerous very massive stars, making it an ideal template to study the roles that environment, metallicity, and multiplicity play in the formation and evolution of the most massive stars. We will discuss the work that is instrumental in laying the groundwork for interpreting future observations by James Webb of starburst regions in the high redshift universe.

A SINFONI view of the nuclear activity and circumnuclear star formation in NGC 4303

We present new maps of emission-line flux distributions and kinematics in both ionized (traced by HI and [FeII] lines) and molecular (H2) gas of the inner 0.7x0.7kpc2 of the galaxy NGC4303, with a spatial resolution 40-80pc and velocity resolution 90-150 km/s obtained from near-IR integral field specroscopy using the VLT instrument SINFONI. The most promiment feature is a 200-250pc ring of circum-nuclear star-forming regions. The emission from ionized and molecular gas shows distinct flux distributions: while the strongest HI and [FeII] emission comes from regions in the west side of the ring (ages~4Myr), the H2 emission is strongest at the nucleus and in the east side of the ring (ages>10Myr). We find that regions of enhanced hot H2 emission are anti-correlated with those of enhanced [FeII] and HI emission, which can be attributed to post starburst regions that do not have ionizing photons anymore but still are hot enough (~2000K) to excite the H2 molecule. The line ratios are consistent with the presence of an AGN at the nucleus. The youngest regions have stellar masses in the range 0.3-1.5E5 MSun and ionized and hot molecular gas masses of ~0.25-1.2E4 Msun and 2.5-5 Msun, respectively. The stellar and gas velocity fields show a rotation pattern, with the gas presenting larger velocity amplitudes than the stars, with a deviation observed for the H2 along the nuclear bar, where increased velocity dispersion is also observed, possibly associated with non circular motions along the bar. The stars in the ring show smaller velocity dispersion than the surroundings, that can be attributed to a cooler dynamics due to their recent formation from cool gas.

FROM THE LIR–T RELATION TO THE LIMITED SIZES OF DUSTY STARBURSTING REGIONS AT HIGH REDSHIFTS

ABSTRACT Using the far-infrared (IR) data obtained by the Herschel Space Observatory, we study the relation between the IR luminosity (L IR) and the dust temperature (T) of dusty starbursting galaxies at high redshifts (high-z). We focus on the total IR luminosity from the cold-dust component ( L IR ( cd ) ?> ), whose emission can be described by a modified blackbody (MBB) of a single temperature (T mbb). An object on the ( L IR ( cd ) ?> , T mbb) plane can be explained by the equivalent of the Stefan–Boltzmann law for an MBB with an effective radius of R eff. We show that R eff is a good measure of the combined size of the dusty starbursting regions (DSBRs) of the host galaxy. In at least one case where the individual DSBRs are well resolved through strong gravitational lensing, R eff is consistent with the direct size measurement. We show that the observed L IR–T relation is simply due to the limited R eff (≲2 kpc). The small R eff values also agree with the compact sizes of the DSBRs seen in the local universe. However, previous interferometric observations to resolve high-z dusty starbursting galaxies often quote much larger sizes. This inconsistency can be reconciled by the blending effect when considering that the current interferometry might still not be of sufficient resolution. From R eff we infer the lower limits to the volume densities of the star formation rate (minSFR3D) in the DSBRs, and find that the L IR–T relation outlines a boundary on the ( L IR ( cd ) ?> , T mbb) plane, below which is the “zone of avoidance” in terms of minSFR3D.

THE CARMA PAIRED ANTENNA CALIBRATION SYSTEM: ATMOSPHERIC PHASE CORRECTION FOR MILLIMETER WAVE INTERFEROMETRY AND ITS APPLICATION TO MAPPING THE ULTRALUMINOUS GALAXY ARP 193

ABSTRACT Phase fluctuations introduced by the atmosphere are the main limiting factor in attaining diffraction limited performance in extended interferometric arrays at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths. We report the results of C-PACS, the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-Wave Astronomy Paired Antenna Calibration System. We present a systematic study of several hundred test observations taken during the 2009–2010 winter observing season where we utilize CARMA's eight 3.5 m antennas to monitor an atmospheric calibrator while simultaneously acquiring science observations with 6.1 and 10.4 m antennas on baselines ranging from a few hundred meters to ∼2 km. We find that C-PACS is systematically successful at improving coherence on long baselines under a variety of atmospheric conditions. We find that the angular separation between the atmospheric calibrator and target source is the most important consideration, with consistently successful phase correction at CARMA requiring a suitable calibrator located ≲6° away from the science target. We show that cloud cover does not affect the success of C-PACS. We demonstrate C-PACS in typical use by applying it to the observations of the nearby very luminous infrared galaxy Arp 193 in 12CO(2-1) at a linear resolution of ≈70 pc (0.″12 × 0.″18), 3 times better than previously published molecular maps of this galaxy. We resolve the molecular disk rotation kinematics and the molecular gas distribution and measure the gas surface densities and masses on 90 pc scales. We find that molecular gas constitutes ∼30% of the dynamical mass in the inner 700 pc of this object with a surface density ∼104 M ⊙ pc−2; we compare these properties to those of the starburst region of NGC 253.

Magnetic fields in spiral galaxies

Radio synchrotron emission is a powerful tool to study the strength and structure of magnetic fields in galaxies. Unpolarized synchrotron emission traces isotropic turbulent fields which are strongest in spiral arms and bars (20-30 \mu G) and in central starburst regions (50-100 \mu G). Such fields are dynamically important; they affect gas flows and drive gas inflows in central regions. -- Polarized emission traces ordered fields, which can be regular or anisotropic turbulent, where the latter originates from isotropic turbulent fields by the action of compression or shear. The strongest ordered fields (10-15 \mu G) are generally found in interarm regions. In galaxies with strong density waves, ordered fields are also observed at the inner edges of spiral arms. Ordered fields with spiral patterns exist in grand-design, barred and flocculent galaxies, and in central regions. Ordered fields in interacting galaxies have asymmetric distributions and are a tracer of past interactions between galaxies or with the intergalactic medium. In radio halos around edge-on galaxies, ordered magnetic fields with X-shaped patterns are observed. -- Faraday rotation measures of the diffuse polarized radio emission from galaxy disks reveal large-scale spiral patterns that can be described by the superposition of azimuthal modes; these are signatures of regular fields generated by mean-field dynamos. "Magnetic arms" between gaseous spiral arms may also be products of dynamo action, but need a stable spiral pattern to develop. Helically twisted field loops winding around spiral arms were found in two galaxies so far. Large-scale field reversals, like the one found in the Milky Way, could not yet be detected in external galaxies. -- The origin and evolution of cosmic magnetic fields will be studied with forthcoming radio telescopes like the Square Kilometre Array.

(Sub)millimetre interferometric imaging of a sample of COSMOS/AzTEC submillimetre galaxies

Radio emission at cm wavelengths from highly star-forming galaxies, such as SMGs, is dominated by synchrotron radiation arising from supernova activity. Using deep, high-resolution ($1\sigma=2.3$ $\mu$Jy beam$^{-1}$; $0.75^{"}$) cm radio-continuum observations taken by the VLA-COSMOS 3 GHz Large Project, we studied the radio-emitting sizes of a flux-limited sample of SMGs in the COSMOS field. Of the 39 SMGs studied here, 3 GHz emission was detected towards 18 of them ($\sim46\pm11\%$) with S/N ratios in the range of ${\rm S/N=4.2-37.4}$. Using 2D elliptical Gaussian fits, we derived a median deconvolved major axis FWHM size of $0.54^{"}\pm 0.11^{"}$ for our 18 SMGs detected at 3 GHz. For the 15 SMGs with known redshift we derived a median linear major axis FWHM of $4.2\pm0.9$ kpc. No clear correlation was found between the radio-emitting size and the 3 GHz or submm flux density, or the redshift of the SMG. However, there is a hint of larger radio sizes at $z\sim2.5-5$ compared to lower redshifts. The sizes we derived are consistent with previous SMG sizes measured at 1.4 GHz and in mid-$J$ CO emission, but significantly larger than those seen in the (sub)mm continuum emission. One possible scenario is that SMGs have i) an extended gas component with a low dust temperature, and which can be traced by low- to mid-$J$ CO line emission and radio continuum emission, and ii) a warmer, compact starburst region giving rise to the high-$J$ line emission of CO, which could dominate the dust continuum size measurements. Because of the rapid cooling of CR electrons in dense starburst galaxies ($\sim10^4-10^5$ yr), the more extended synchrotron radio-emitting size being a result of CR diffusion seems unlikely. Instead, if SMGs are driven by galaxy mergers the radio synchrotron emission might arise from more extended magnetised ISM around the starburst region.

ULTRA-LUMINOUS X-RAY SOURCES IN HARO 11 AND THE ROLE OF X-RAY BINARIES IN FEEDBACK IN LyαEMITTING GALAXIES

Lyman Break Analogs (LBA) are local proxies of high-redshift Lyman Break Galaxies (LBG). Studies of nearby starbursts have shown that Lyman continuum and line emission are absorbed by dust and that the Lyman-alpha is resonantly scattered by neutral hydrogen. A source of feedback is required to prevent scattering and allow the Lyman-alpha emission to escape. There are two X-ray point sources embedded in the Lyman Break Analog (LBA) galaxy Haro 11. Haro 11 X-1 is an extremely luminous (L$_{X} \sim 10^{41}$ ergs s$^{-1}$), spatially compact source with a hard X-ray spectrum. Haro 11 X-1 is similar to the extreme Black Hole Binary (BHB) M82 X-1. The hard X-ray spectrum indicates Haro 11 X-1 may be a Black Hole Binary (BHB) in a low accretion state. The very high X-ray luminosity suggests an intermediate mass black hole that could be the seed for formation of a supermassive black hole. Source Haro 11 X-2 has an X-ray luminosity L$_{X} \sim 5\times10^{40}$ ergs s$^{-1}$ and a soft X-ray spectrum. This strongly suggests that Haro 11 X-2 is an X-ray binary in the ultra luminous state. Haro 11 X-2 is coincident with the star forming knot that is the source of the Lyman-alpha emission, raising the possibility that strong winds from X-ray binaries play an important part in injecting mechanical power into the Interstellar Medium (ISM), thus blowing away neutral material from the starburst region and allowing the Lyman-alpha to escape. We suggest that feedback from X-ray binaries may play a significant role in allowing Lyman-alpha emission to escape from galaxies in the early universe.

THE GALACTIC-SCALE MOLECULAR OUTFLOWS IN STARBURST GALAXIES NGC 2146 AND NGC 3628

Starburst galaxies have strong star formation activity and generate large scale outflows which eject a huge amount of gas mass. This process affects galaxy activity, and therefore, the detailed study of nearby starburst galaxies could provide valuable information for the study of distant ones. So far there have been only a few studies of galactic-scale molecular out ows due to the sensitivity limitation of telescopes. Our study provides two nearby examples, NGC 2146 and NGC 3628. We used Nobeyama Millimeter Array (NMA) CO(1-0) data, Chandra soft X-ray data, and NMA 3 mm data to study the kinematics of molecular outflows, their interaction with ionized outflows, and the star forming activity in the starburst region. We found that the gas ejected through molecular out ows is much more significant than that used to form stars.

THE BRIGHTEST YOUNG STAR CLUSTERS IN NGC 5253

The nearby dwarf starburst galaxy NGC5253 hosts a number of young, massive star clusters, the two youngest of which are centrally concentrated and surrounded by thermal radio emission (the `radio nebula'). To investigate the role of these clusters in the starburst energetics, we combine new and archival Hubble Space Telescope images of NGC5253 with wavelength coverage from 1500 Ang to 1.9 micron in 13 filters. These include H-alpha, P-beta, and P-alpha, and the imaging from the Hubble Treasury Program LEGUS (Legacy Extragalactic UV Survey). The extraordinarily well-sampled spectral energy distributions enable modeling with unprecedented accuracy the ages, masses, and extinctions of the 9 optically brightest clusters (M_V < -8.8) and the two young radio nebula clusters. The clusters have ages ~1-15 Myr and masses ~1x10^4 - 2.5x10^5 M_sun. The clusters' spatial location and ages indicate that star formation has become more concentrated towards the radio nebula over the last ~15 Myr. The most massive cluster is in the radio nebula; with a mass 2.5x10^5 M_sun and an age ~1 Myr, it is 2-4 times less massive and younger than previously estimated. It is within a dust cloud with A_V~50 mag, and shows a clear nearIR excess, likely from hot dust. The second radio nebula cluster is also ~1 Myr old, confirming the extreme youth of the starburst region. These two clusters account for about half of the ionizing photon rate in the radio nebula, and will eventually supply about 2/3 of the mechanical energy in present-day shocks. Additional sources are required to supply the remaining ionizing radiation, and may include very massive stars.

Ultrahard spectra of PeV neutrinos from supernovae in compact star clusters

Starburst regions with multiple powerful winds of young massive stars and supernova remnants are favorable sites for high-energy cosmic ray acceleration. A supernova shock colliding with a fast wind from a compact cluster of young stars allows the acceleration of protons to energies well above the standard limits of diffusive shock acceleration in an isolated SN. The proton spectrum in such a wind-supernova PeV accelerator is hard with a large flux in the high-energy-end of the spectrum producing copious gamma-rays and neutrinos in inelastic nuclear collisions. We argue that SN shocks in the Westerlund 1 cluster in the Milky Way may accelerate protons to about 40 PeV. Once accelerated, these CRs will diffuse into surrounding dense clouds and produce neutrinos with fluxes sufficient to explain a fraction of the events detected by IceCube Observatory from the inner Galaxy.