Numerical Simulations of a Jet-Cloud Collision and Starburst: Application to Minkowski's Object

TL;DR

This study uses three-dimensional multi-physics simulations to demonstrate how AGN jet collisions with intergalactic clouds can trigger star formation, aligning with observations of Minkowski's Object.

Contribution

The paper presents detailed simulations showing jet-induced star formation, specifically tailored to match observations of Minkowski's Object, highlighting the physical processes involved.

Findings

Jet-cloud collisions induce shocks that promote gas cooling and star formation.

Simulations predict star formation rates and gas conversion consistent with observations.

Results confirm jet-induced star formation as a plausible mechanism in Minkowski's Object.

Abstract

We present results of three-dimensional, multi-physics simulations of an AGN jet colliding with an intergalactic cloud. The purpose of these simulations is to assess the degree of "positive feedback," i.e. jet-induced star formation, that results. We have specifically tailored our simulation parameters to facilitate comparison with recent observations of Minkowski's Object (M.O.), a stellar nursery located at the termination point of a radio jet coming from galaxy NGC 541. As shown in our simulations, such a collision triggers shocks which propagate around and through the cloud. These shocks condense the gas and under the right circumstances may trigger cooling instabilities, creating runaway increases in density, to the point that individual clumps can become Jeans unstable. Our simulations provide information about the expected star formation rate, total mass converted to \ion{H}{1}, H$_2$, and stars, and the relative velocity of the stars and gas. Our results confirm the possibility of jet-induced star formation, and agree well with the observations of M.O.