Origin and ionization of the warm ionized gas in massive early-type galaxies

Renbin Yan, Michael R. Blanton

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

    Abstract

    Most early-type galaxies are not devoid of cold and warm gas. The origin and ionization of this gas reveal the intriguing ongoing evolution of these galaxies. In most cases, the warm ionized gas shows emission-line spectra similar to low-ionization nuclear emission-line regions (LINERs). Their ionization mechanism has been hotly debated. We will present evidence from line ratio gradient that rules out AGN and shocks as the dominant ionization mechanism, and suggests the ionizing sources follow the stellar density profile. Hot evolved stars are the favorite candidates but bring new puzzles. This finding allows us to obtain a gas-phase metallicity calibration in these early-type galaxies, using the line emission. We will show how the metallicity of the warm gas depends on stellar mass and stellar age, and what it tells us about the origin of the warm gas in these galaxies.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Title of host publicationThe Intriguing Life of Massive Galaxies
    EditorsDaniel Thomas, Anna Pasquali, Ignacio Ferreras
    Pages328-331
    Number of pages4
    EditionS295
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Aug 2012

    Publication series

    NameProceedings of the International Astronomical Union
    NumberS295
    Volume8
    ISSN (Print)1743-9213
    ISSN (Electronic)1743-9221

    Keywords

    • cD
    • galaxies: elliptical and lenticular
    • galaxies:ISM
    • stars: AGB and post-AGB

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
    • Space and Planetary Science

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