Gemini 3D spectroscopy of the galaxy Haro 15: Evidence for gas outflow and expanding supershell

FIRPO, V.; BOSCH, G.; HÄGELE, G. F.; DÍAZ, R.

ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL

IOP PUBLISHING LTD

Año: 2012

0004-637X

We present Integral Field Unit (IFU) - GMOS data of the Wolf-Rayet galaxy Haro 15 obtained at the Gemini South telescope. The good spatial and spectral resolution of these GMOS-IFU observations, covering 3700-10000A allowed us to map with excellent signal-to-noise ratio the velocity field and flux distribution of the Halpha, Hbeta, [OIII]5007A emission lines. Careful comparison of continuum and emission line flux contributions allowed us to identify nine and four sources within Complex A and B respectively. A global rotation map was derived for the whole galaxy, which reveals signatures of a merging process, although it can be fitted with a relatively simple nucleus & disk mass distribution ruling out the possibility of a double nucleus. A detailed kinematical analysis within the starburst complexes shows the presence of strong localised outflows which have the potential for reaching kiloparsec distances. The most luminous star forming region, the B1 knot within Complex B, lies close to the edge of a superbubble which center matches the position of the continuum source B4. The ages of the stellar populations of each source, together with the size and evolutionary timescale of the supershell, fit a triggered star-formation scenario within Complex B.