paper

Starburst-Driven Galactic Outflows -- Unveiling the Suppressive Role of Cosmic Ray Halos

arXiv:2503.13261 · doi:10.1051/0004-6361/202554590

Abstract

Aims. We investigate the role of cosmic ray (CR) halos in shaping the properties of starburst-driven galactic outflows. Methods. We develop a microphysical model for galactic outflows driven by a continuous central feedback source, incorporating a simplified treatment of CRs. The model parameters are linked to the effective properties of a starburst. By analyzing its asymptotic behavior, we derive a criterion for launching starburst-driven galactic outflows and determine the corresponding outflow velocities. Results. We find that in the absence of CRs, galactic outflows can only be launched if the star-formation rate (SFR) surface density exceeds a critical threshold proportional to the dynamical equilibrium pressure. In contrast, CRs can always drive slow outflows. CRs dominate in systems with SFR surface densities below the critical threshold but become negligible in highly star-forming systems. However, in older systems with established CR halos, the CR contribution to outflows diminishes once the outflow reaches the galactic scale height, rendering CRs ineffective in sustaining outflows in such systems. Conclusions. Over cosmic time, galaxies accumulate relic CRs in their halos, providing additional non-thermal pressure support that suppresses low-velocity CR-driven outflows. We predict that such low-velocity outflows are expected only in young systems that have not yet built up significant CR halos. In contrast, fast outflows in starburst galaxies, where the SFR surface density exceeds the critical threshold, are primarily driven by momentum injection and remain largely unaffected by CR halos.

arXiv commentAccepted for submission in A&A Letters. 10 pages, 3 figures

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