Title:

Cold Outflows from Ultraluminous Starbursts


Crystal Martin
UC Santa Barbara



Abstract:

Galaxy formation follows a landscape defined by the large
scale structure of the universe, but gravity alone does not
predict the properties of galaxies or the enrichment history
of the intergalactic medium. The astrophysics of star
formation and gas reheating, i.e. feedback, also play central
roles.  Empirical "recipes" have been instrumental for
characterizing these complex processes and constraining
theoretical models.  Observations of starburst galaxies with
Chandra and XMM-Newton have provided a direct image of (at
least a portion of) the shock-heated outflows.  The current
challenge is to understand the dynamical relationship between
the hot wind fluid and cooler gas entrained in the outflow. My
talk will focus on measurements of the cool, outflowing gas in
the most luminous local starbursts.  Some of the resulting
properties are not expected from winds driven by a nuclear
starburst, and I will discuss alternative interpretations. The
implications of fitted dynamical models for the fate of the
outflow will be discussed in regard to the galaxy luminosity
function and the enrichment of the intergalactic medium.