JWST/NIRSpec Measurements of the Relationships between Nebular Emission-line Ratios and Stellar Mass at z ∼ 3-6
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Steward Observatory, University of ArizonaIssue Date
2023-06-07
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American Astronomical SocietyCitation
Alice E. Shapley et al 2023 ApJL 950 L1Journal
Astrophysical Journal LettersRights
© 2023. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society. Original content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence.Collection Information
This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at repository@u.library.arizona.edu.Abstract
We analyze the rest-optical emission-line ratios of star-forming galaxies at 2.7 ≤ z < 6.5 drawn from the Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science (CEERS) Survey and their relationships with stellar mass (M *). Our analysis includes both line ratios based on the [N ii] λ6583 feature ([N ii] λ6583/Hα, ([O iii] λ5007/Hβ)/([N ii] λ6583/Hα) (O3N2), and [N ii] λ6583/[O ii] λ3727) and those featuring α-elements ([O iii] λ5007/Hβ, [O iii] λ5007/[O ii] λ3727 (O32), ([O iii] λλ4959, 5007 + [O ii] λ3727)/Hβ (R23), and [Ne iii] λ3869/[O ii] λ3727). Given the typical flux levels of [N ii] λ6583 and [Ne iii] λ3869, which are undetected in the majority of individual CEERS galaxies at 2.7 ≤ z < 6.5, we construct composite spectra in bins of M * and redshift. Using these composite spectra, we compare the relationships between emission-line ratios and M * at 2.7 ≤ z < 6.5 with those observed at lower redshift. While there is significant evolution toward higher excitation (e.g., higher [O iii] λ5007/Hβ, O32, O3N2) and weaker nitrogen emission (e.g., lower [N ii] λ6583/Hα and [N ii] λ6583/[O ii] λ3727) between z ∼ 0 and z ∼ 3, we find in most cases that there is no significant evolution in the relationship between line ratio and M * beyond z ∼ 3. The [Ne iii] λ3869/[O ii] λ3727 ratio is anomalous in showing evidence for significant elevation at 4.0 ≤ z < 6.5 at fixed mass, relative to z ∼ 3.3. Collectively, however, our empirical results suggest no significant evolution in the mass-metallicity relationship at 2.7 ≤ z < 6.5. Representative galaxy samples and metallicity calibrations based on existing and upcoming JWST/NIRSpec observations will be required to translate these empirical scaling relations into ones tracing chemical enrichment and gas cycling and to distinguish among descriptions of feedback in galaxy formation simulations at z > 3. © 2023. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society.Note
Open access journalISSN
2041-8205Version
Final Published Versionae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.3847/2041-8213/acd939
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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as © 2023. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society. Original content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence.