The Cone-Like H-alpha Nebula in NGC 4945: A Galactic Superwind Bow Shock ?

Abstract

We find that a non-axisymmetric bow shock model, with an appropriate choice of parameters, could fit the line splitting velocity field of the cone-like H$\alpha$ nebula in NGC 4945 better than a canonical cone model. Meanwhile, the bow shock model could also reproduce the morphology of the H$\alpha$ nebula. The bow shock results from the interaction of the galactic superwinds with a giant HII region. It is implied that the starburst ring or disk around the galactic nucleus should be generating strong winds, and the bright H$\alpha$ knot northwest of the nucleus be suffering an anisotropic mass loss process.

14 pages, aasms4.sty, 3 figures not included (available upon request) To appear in ApJ Letters. email chy, [email protected]

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