Computer Science
Scientific paper
May 2007
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007sptz.prop40757s&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #40757
Computer Science
Scientific paper
Post-starbursts, a class of galaxies discovered in large redshift surveys, are believed to be in transition from strong merger-induced starbursts to truly quiescent systems. Their distinctive optical spectra enable very precise measurements of their stellar populations, which range in burst age from 0.1-1.5 Gyr. These rare galaxies may hold the key to unlocking a recently discovered mystery regarding the behavior of PAH emission in low-luminosity AGN, which has a fundamental impact on the reliability of PAHs as direct indicators of star formation. Post-starburst galaxies, with little ongoing star formation and well understood stellar populations, offer the perfect laboratory in which to test the response of PAHs to the reduced star formation activity often associated with AGN. In these systems, the violent feedback which quenches the star formation is thought to completely expel most of the dust and gas. Though very little is known about the dust properties of these galaxies, a small number of serendipitous Spitzer observations indicates that they have strong and uniform infrared excess over the expected photospheric emission. Our goal is to study the dust content of this unique class of galaxy. Drawing on over 1 million spectra from the SDSS DR5, we have selected 15 post-starburst galaxies at z~0.04 with expected IR fluxes readily accessible by Spitzer. We propose deep, low-resolution IRS spectra and full 3-160um imaging of this carefully selected sample. We will test the response of PAH emission to their young but aging stellar populations, and probe the ISM-clearing feedback scenarios thought to drive their evolution. We will put strong limits on the amount of embedded star-formation hidden from optical view, and track the conditions of any warm gas in the systems. And we will combine the sample with local studies of low-luminosity AGN to help investigate the degree to which AGN-fueled PAH emission could contaminate star-formation rates derived from the absolute strength of the PAH bands.
Dale Danny
Draine Bruce
Le Floc'h Emeric
Smith JD
Tremonti Christy
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