Massive molecular outflows and evidence for AGN feedback from CO observations

We study the properties of massive, galactic-scale outflows of molecular gas and investigate their impact on galaxy evolution. We present new IRAM PdBI CO(1-0) observations of local ultra-luminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) and quasar-hosts: a clear signature of massive and energetic molecular outflows, extending on kpc scales, is found in the CO(1-0) kinematics of four out of seven sources, with measured outflow rates of several 100 M yr -1 . We combine these new observations with data from the literature, and explore the nature and origin of massive molecular outflows within an extended sample of 19 local galaxies. We find that starburst-dominated galaxies have an outflow rate comparable to their star…

• NA
  National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• M
  Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
• CN
  Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
• SA
  Science and Technology Facilities Council

  Awards: ST/K003119/1, ST/J00152X/1
• OO
  Office of Naval Research