Far-ultraviolet observations of outflows from infrared-luminous galaxies

Abstract

We have obtained ultraviolet spectra between 1150 and 1450 Å of four ultraviolet-bright, infrared-luminous starburst galaxies. Our selected sight-lines towards the starburst nuclei probe the conditions in the starburst-driven outflows. We detect outflowing gas with velocities of up to ∼900 km s-1. It is likely that the outflows are a major source of metal enrichment of the galaxies' halos. The mass outflow rates of several tens of M⊙ yr-1 are similar to the star-formation rates. The outflows may quench star formation and ultimately regulate the starburst. © 2013 International Astronomical Union.