Spatially Resolved Investigation of the OH Megamaser Galaxy IRAS 10039−3338: Probing Mergers, Stellar Population, Star Formation and Nuclear Activity through HST and VLT/MUSE

Not scheduled
20m
Auditorium Telescopium (ESO)

Auditorium Telescopium

ESO

Regular

Description

OH megamasers are key tracers of extreme environments in [U]LIRGs. We present a study of the megamaser galaxy IRAS 10039−3338 using HST and MUSE/VLT data to investigate the links between mergers, Stellar Population, star formation, and AGN activity. Results reveal a disturbed morphology and complex kinematics fueled by a 1010M⊙ molecular gas reservoir. With an SFR of 1.97M⊙ yr−1 and a depletion time of 86 Myr, the system is in a rapid evolutionary phase. Diagnostic diagrams show a composite nuclear regime, suggesting a dust-embedded AGN. Stellar population synthesis reveals a bimodal age distribution, with recent bursts (30 Myr–1 Gyr) contributing half the total luminosity. The hybrid stellar kinematics indicate an intermediate merger stage where gas is channeled inward, simultaneously powering the starburst and nuclear activity. This confirms OH megamasers as vital probes of advanced galactic evolution and obscured activity.

Author

DOUGLAS ALVES (UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO RIO GRANDE)

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