Testing Feedback: Morphologies of Extreme Post-starburst Galaxies

Testing Feedback: Morphologies of Extreme Post-starburst Galaxies Theoretical models of massive galaxy formation predict that feedback from AGN and/or supernovae plays a crucial role in quenching star formation during major galaxy mergers. Efficient quenching is required to match the observed properties of early-type galaxies, including the colors of local massive ellipticals and the spectral features of ultra-compact high-redshift spheroids. However, current observational evidence provides only indirect constraints on the quenching mechanism that causes galaxies to migrate from the blue cloud to the red sequence. In order to test feedback models of elliptical galaxy formation, we select a unique sample of extremely young, massive post-starburst galaxies at 0.4<z<0.8 that have direct evidence of strong galactic-scale feedback: a high fraction of these recently quenched galaxies show spectacular gas outflows with extremely high velocities (v=500-2000 km/s). We propose to use HST/WFC3 imaging to measure the sizes and morphologies of these galaxies. With these data we will preform the first direct test of theoretical models that include strong feedback and answer two fundamental questions: 1) Are the extreme properties of these post-starbursts related to galaxy interactions? and 2) Are we witnessing the formation of the last few ultra-compact elliptical galaxies in the Universe?

We are obtaining WFC3 F814W imaging of 17 post-starburst galaxies at z=0.4-0.8. Our primary scientific goals are to measure the sizes and surface-brightness profiles of the galaxies and to search for faint tidal features indicative of a recent galaxy merger. We require high-S/N imaging out to at least two effective radii in order to accurately measure galaxy light profiles. Our galaxies have total magnitudes in the range 18.3 < i < 19.3, but are unresolved in ground-based SDSS imaging. Using the median half-light radius found for early-type galaxies at z~0.6, we estimate that their surface brightness at 2 r_e will be 23.35 mag sq arcsec. We can achieve a S/N ~4.5 per 2x2 pixel resolution element in the F814W filter with an exposure time of 2400 seconds. This depth will enable us to measure features down to 24 mag sq arcsec with S/N~2.5, which will be sufficient to detect tidal tails given the young postburst ages of the stellar populations (< 200 Myr). We will observe each target for 1 one orbit, split into four sub-exposures. Guide star acquisition will require 6 minutes. Filter changes, other camera setup, readout, and small angle maneuvers for dithering will take 5 minutes for each set of exposures. In total, 11 minutes are required for overhead, leaving ~40 minutes of integration time per orbit. We will utilize a four-point, sub-pixel dither pattern to reject hot pixels and cosmic rays while improving spatial resolution and covering the chip gap. We chose the WFC3-UVIS-MOS-DITH-LINE pattern with 2 primary points (instead of the default 3) and two sub-pattern points. We have not used any CR-SPLITS. We have used the UVIS aperture but applied a POSTARG movement of Y=+10 to shift targets further away from the chip gap. This was done to insure that extended tidal structures (up to 15 arcsec) did not fall in the gap which is only covered by 2 of 4 exposures. In one case we used a POSTARG of Y=-30 to shift the target onto the other chip so that there would be no chance of contamination by bleeding from saturated stars. There is no preferred orientation for our targets but in many cases we have restricted the orientation range to keep bleed trails from bright stars away from our objects, and to prevent ghosting. These stars are not a safety threat but were listed as moderately or extremely saturated in the BOT. UNRESOLVED STELLAR POPULATIONS AND GALAXY STRUCTURE 12 false 0.0 0.0 false false false false false false SUPPORTED GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 01 06 24.2500 -10 23 29.93 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 08 27 33.8900 +29 54 51.32 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 09 01 33.4300 +03 14 12.48 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 09 05 23.6100 +57 59 12.46 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 09 08 42.7700 +10 39 0.78 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 10 39 6.9700 +45 37 54.13 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 11 07 2.8700 +04 17 2.75 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 11 25 18.9000 -01 45 32.46 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 12 19 55.7800 +03 36 15.90 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 12 32 15.8300 +07 23 20.75 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 12 29 49.8300 +35 45 17.12 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 12 48 7.1600 +06 01 11.84 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 13 41 36.8000 -03 21 25.29 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 14 50 28.8600 +46 21 37.68 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 16 35 41.7200 +47 09 24.48 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 21 16 25.1500 -06 34 44.82 J2000 GALAXY INTERACTING GALAXY post-starburst J2000 22 56 23.7600 +15 04 24.76 J2000 WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W WFC3/UVIS Imaging No No F814W POS-TARG MOSAIC DITHER 2 2.4 WFC3-UVIS-MOS-DITH-LINE false false 0.119 2 85.754 POS-TARG WFC3-UVIS-MOS-DITH-LINE 33.606 1

true

The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "01" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 15:23:44.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154992 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "01" :obset-id "01" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "01" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 2792 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3245 :pcs-gap 0 ) false 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "02" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 02:41:36.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154992 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "02" :obset-id "02" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "02" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 2924 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3257 :pcs-gap 0 ) true 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "03" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 02:41:37.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154992 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "03" :obset-id "03" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "03" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 2900 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3234 :pcs-gap 0 ) true 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "04" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 02:41:38.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154976 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "04" :obset-id "04" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "04" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 3176 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3511 :pcs-gap 0 ) true 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "05" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 02:41:39.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154992 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "05" :obset-id "05" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "05" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 2912 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3245 :pcs-gap 0 ) true 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "06" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 02:41:39.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154976 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "06" :obset-id "06" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "06" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 3056 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3391 :pcs-gap 0 ) true 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "07" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 02:41:40.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154992 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "07" :obset-id "07" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "07" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 2900 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3234 :pcs-gap 0 ) true 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "08" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 12:43:41.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154992 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "08" :obset-id "08" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "08" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 2900 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3234 :pcs-gap 0 ) false 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "09" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 02:41:41.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154992 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "09" :obset-id "09" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "09" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 2900 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3234 :pcs-gap 0 ) true 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "10" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 12:49:46.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154992 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "10" :obset-id "10" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "10" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 2908 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3242 :pcs-gap 0 ) false 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "11" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 02:41:43.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154992 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "11" :obset-id "11" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "11" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 2968 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3301 :pcs-gap 0 ) true 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "12" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 02:41:44.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154992 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "12" :obset-id "12" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "12" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 2908 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3242 :pcs-gap 0 ) true 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "13" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 02:41:45.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154992 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "13" :obset-id "13" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "13" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 2900 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3234 :pcs-gap 0 ) true 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "14" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 02:41:45.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154976 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "14" :obset-id "14" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "14" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 3056 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3391 :pcs-gap 0 ) true 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "15" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 02:41:46.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154976 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "15" :obset-id "15" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "15" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 3056 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3391 :pcs-gap 0 ) true 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "16" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 02:41:47.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154992 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "16" :obset-id "16" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "16" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 2908 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3242 :pcs-gap 0 ) true 1 0 The scheduling data was generated by CASM 18.3.1. CASM was run in Phase II mode. (Tic-Visit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "17" :proposal-version -1 :trans-version "20100505" :date "04-Aug-2010 02:41:47.0" :trans-errors '(:WARNINGS 0 :ERRORS 0 :HEALTH-AND-SAFETY 0 :FATAL-ERRORS 0 :CONTINUABLE-FATALS 0) :number-of-orbits 1 :saa-model "29" :si-bright-earth-limb-angle 20.0 :data-volume 1154992 :tdrss-contact-duration 0 :coron NIL ) (Tic-Obset :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "17" :obset-id "17" :pcs-mode "FGS" ) (Tic-Orbit :proposal-id 12272 :visit-id "17" :orbit-number 1 :pcs-time 333 :si-vis-utilization 2916 :al-overhead-at-end 116 :internal-dur-at-end 670 :dark-offset NIL :dark-utilization 0 :max-dark-utilization 1920 :low-sky "N" :pcs-visibility 3249 :pcs-gap 0 ) true 1 0