Oxford SWIFT integral field spectrograph and multiwavelength observations of the Eagle galaxy at z= 0.77

Susan A. Kassin, L. Fogarty, T. Goodsall, F. J. Clarke, R. W.C. Houghton, G. Salter, N. Thatte, M. Tecza, Roger L. Davies, Benjamin J. Weiner, C. N.A. Willmer, Samir Salim, Michael C. Cooper, Jeffrey A. Newman, Kevin Bundy, C. J. Conselice, A. M. Koekemoer, Lihwai Lin, Leonidas A. Moustakas, Tao Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The 'Eagle' galaxy at a redshift of 0.77 is studied with the Oxford Short Wavelength Integral Field Spectrograph (SWIFT) and multiwavelength data from the All-wavelength Extended Groth strip International Survey (AEGIS). It was chosen from AEGIS because of the bright and extended emission in its slit spectrum. 3D kinematic maps of the Eagle reveal a gradient in velocity dispersion which spans 35-75 ± 10kms-1 and a rotation velocity of 25 ± 5kms-1 uncorrected for inclination. Hubble Space Telescope images suggest it is close to face-on. In comparison with galaxies from AEGIS at similar redshifts, the Eagle is extremely bright and blue in the rest-frame optical, highly star forming, dominated by unobscured star formation and has a low metallicity for its size. This is consistent with its selection. The Eagle is likely undergoing a major merger and is caught in the early stage of a starburst when it has not yet experienced metal enrichment or formed the mass of dust typically found in star-forming galaxies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2882-2890
Number of pages9
JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume417
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2011

Keywords

  • Galaxies: high-redshift
  • Galaxies: interactions
  • Galaxies: irregular
  • Galaxies: kinematics and dynamics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Oxford SWIFT integral field spectrograph and multiwavelength observations of the Eagle galaxy at z= 0.77'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this