JWST Discovers Powerful Gas Outflows Fueling Nearby Merging Galaxy

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revealed a dramatic phenomenon in a nearby merging galaxy called NGC 3256: powerful outflows of gas propelling star formation. This international study, led by astronomers from Hiroshima University, Japan, provides unprecedented insights into the complex dynamics of merging galaxies and the role of outflows in star birth.

JWST/NIRCam false-color image of NGC 3256 using F150W, F200W, and F444W filters. (top and bottom) NIRSpec G235H/F170LP 2 µm continuum images of each nucleus are also shown (field of view size). Credit: Bohn et al., 2024.

NGC 3256 is a spectacular sight, located roughly 122 million light-years away. This galaxy is a product of a violent collision between two gas-rich disk galaxies, creating a distorted, dusty structure and intense star formation. The researchers focused on unraveling the mysteries of gas outflows previously detected in NGC 3256.

Using JWST's NIRSpec and MIRI instruments, the team achieved the most detailed analysis of warm molecular hydrogen gas outflows in this galaxy to date. "JWST's incredible resolution allows us to examine this gas on unbelievably small scales, giving us a whole new perspective on these outflows," explains lead researcher Thomas Bohn.

The observations unveiled a powerful outflow of warm hydrogen gas originating from the southern nucleus of NGC 3256. This collimated outflow extends a staggering 2,300 light-years and reaches velocities of approximately 1,000 kilometers per second. Interestingly, no significant warm hydrogen outflow was detected from the northern nucleus.

The study also sheds light on the impact of these outflows on star formation. While the outflow energizes star-forming regions, it doesn't seem to significantly hinder the process. This opens new avenues for understanding the complex interplay between outflows and star formation in merging galaxies.