JWST's PEARLS: A z=6 quasar in a train-wreck galaxy merger system

Abstract

We present JWST NIRSpec integral field spectroscopy observations of the z=5.89 quasar NDWFS J1425+3254 from 0.6-5.3 microns, covering the rest-frame ultraviolet and optical at a spectral resolution of R~100. The quasar has a black hole mass of $M_{\mathrm{BH}}=(1.4\begin{array}{c}+3.1\\ -1.0\end{array})\times 10^9{M}_{\odot }$ and an Eddington ratio of $L_{\mathrm{Bol}}/L_{\mathrm{Edd}}=0.3\begin{array}{c}+0.6\\ -0.2\end{array}$, as implied from the broad Balmer H$\alpha$ and H$\beta$ lines. The quasar host has significant ongoing obscured star formation, as well as a quasar-driven outflow with velocity $6050\begin{array}{c}+460\\ -630\end{array}$ km/s and ionised outflow rate of $1650\begin{array}{c}+130\\ -1230\end{array}{M}_{\odot }$yr${}^{-1}$. This is possibly one of the most extreme outflows in the early Universe. The data also reveal that two companion galaxies are merging with the quasar host. The north-eastern companion galaxy is relatively old and very massive, with a luminosity-weighted stellar age of $65\begin{array}{c}+9\\ -4\end{array}$ Myr, stellar mass of $(3.6\begin{array}{c}+0.6\\ -0.3\end{array})\times 10^{11}{M}_{\odot }$, and star-formation rate (SFR) of ~15-30 $M_{\odot }$yr${}^{-1}$. A bridge of gas connects this companion galaxy and the host, confirming their ongoing interaction. A second merger is occurring between the quasar host and a much younger companion galaxy to the south, with a stellar age of $6.7\pm 1.8$ Myr, stellar mass of $(1.9\pm 0.4)\times 10^{10}{M}_{\odot }$, and SFR of ~40-65 $M_{\odot }$yr${}^{-1}$. There is also another galaxy in the field, likely in the foreground at z=1.135, which could be gravitationally lensing the quasar with magnification $1<\mu <2$, and, thus, <0.75 mag. Overall, the system is a 'train-wreck' merger of three galaxies, with star formation and extreme quasar activity that were likely triggered by these ongoing interactions.

Accepted for publication in A&A

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