Outlying H$\alpha$ blobs in SDSS IV MaNGA

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of 29 outlying H-alpha emitting blobs in SDSS IV MaNGA data, likely representing a new class of low-mass, starbursting dwarf galaxies with unique properties.

Contribution

It identifies a new population of star-forming, low-mass dwarf galaxy candidates that are spatially and kinematically distinct from their hosts, expanding understanding of galaxy formation.

Findings

29 outlying H-alpha blobs identified without optical continuum

Blobs exhibit star formation and low metallicity

Potential new class of low-mass, starbursting dwarf galaxies

Abstract

We have discovered a population of 29 outlying H$\alpha$ emitters which appear like unresolved blobs in the DR14 data release of the SDSS IV MaNGA integral field unit survey. They do not have any underlying optical continuum emission in deep imaging from the DECam Legacy Survey or Beijing-Arizona Sky Survey. These blobs either lie away from the disc of the host galaxy in the MaNGA IFU and/or have velocities which are different from the velocity map of the host galaxy. Interestingly, all of them show photoionisation due to star formation. These galaxies have very high specific star formation rates compared to the known population of dwarf galaxies. However, their metallicities are consistent with or even lower than those of the local volume dwarfs. Thus, we can possibly rule out tidal dwarf galaxies. They could represent a new population of low mass and starbursting dwarf galaxies.