Fabry-Perot spectroscopy: a powerful method for detecting superbubbles in galaxy discs

Camps-Fariña, A.; Beckman, J.; Zaragoza-Cardiel, J.; Font, J.; Fathi, K.
Bibliographical reference

Galaxies in 3D across the Universe, Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, IAU Symposium, Volume 309, pp. 303-303

Advertised on:
2
2015
Number of authors
5
IAC number of authors
4
Citations
0
Refereed citations
0
Description
We present a new method for the detection and characterization of large scale expansion in galaxy discs based on Hα Fabry-Perot spectroscopy, taking advantage of the high spatial and velocity resolution of our instrument (GHαFaS). The method analyses multi-peaked emission line profiles to find expansion along the line of sight on a pixel-by-pixel basis. At this stage we have centred our attention on the large scale structures of expansive gas which show a coherent gradient of velocities from their centres as a result of both bubble shape and projection effect. The results show a wide range of expansion velocities in these superbubbles, ranging from 30-150 km/s, with the expected trend of finding the higher velocities in the more violent areas of the galaxies. We have applied the technique to the Antennae and M83, obtaining spectacular results, and used these to investigate to what extent kinematically derived ages can be found and used to characterize the ages of their massive star clusters.