# A fast-rotator post-starburst galaxy quenched by supermassive black-hole feedback at z=3

**Authors:** Francesco D'Eugenio, Pablo Perez-Gonzalez, Roberto Maiolino, Jan Scholtz, Michele Perna, Chiara Circosta, Hannah Uebler, Santiago Arribas, Torsten Boeker, Andrew Bunker, Stefano Carniani, Stephane Charlot, Jacopo Chevallard, Giovanni Cresci, Emma Curtis-Lake, Gareth Jones, Nimisha Kumari, Isabella Lamperti, Tobias Looser, Eleonora Parlanti  
**arXiv:** [2308.06317](https://arxiv.org/abs/2308.06317)  
**Date:** 2023-08-11  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2308.06317v1/

## Key points

- Galaxy GS-10578 observed at redshift z=3.064 using JWST/NIRSpec integral-field spectroscopy
- Stellar mass of $M_*=1.6\pm0.2 \times 10^{11}$ MSun and dynamical mass $M_{\rm dyn}=2.0\pm0.5 \times 10^{11}$ MSun
- Majority of stellar mass formed at z=3.7-4.6
- Currently in a quiescent state with SFR less than 9 MSun/yr
- Ionized and neutral gas outflows detected, with velocities reaching approximately 1,000 km/s
- Outflow rates for ionized and neutral phases are 0.14–2.9 MSun/yr and 30–300 MSun/yr respectively
- Neutral gas outflow rate is ten times higher than the SFR, providing evidence for ejective SMBH feedback interrupting star formation
- Stellar kinematics reveal ordered rotation in GS-10578, with a spin parameter $\lambda_{Re}=0.62\pm0.07$
- Presence of AGN feedback without destroying the stellar disc

## Summary

This study presents observations of the massive, quiescent galaxy GS-10578 at a redshift of z=3.064 using JWST/NIRSpec integral-field spectroscopy. The spectrum reveals that the galaxy has a stellar mass of $M_*=1.6\pm0.2 \times 10^{11}$ MSun and a dynamical mass $M_{\rm dyn}=2.0\pm0.5 \times 10^{11}$ MSun. The majority of its stellar mass formed at z=3.7-4.6, and it is currently in a quiescent state with a star-formation rate (SFR) less than 9 MSun/yr. The observations also detect ionized- and neutral-gas outflows traced by [OIII] emission and NaI absorption, with outflow velocities reaching approximately 1,000 km/s. These velocities are comparable to the escape velocity of the galaxy and cannot be explained solely by star formation processes, suggesting that they are due to feedback from the central supermassive black hole (SMBH). The study finds that the outflow rates for the ionized and neutral phases are 0.14–2.9 MSun/yr and 30–300 MSun/yr, respectively; notably, the neutral gas outflow rate is ten times higher than the SFR, providing direct evidence for ejective SMBH feedback capable of rapidly removing fuel and interrupting star formation. Additionally, analysis of the stellar kinematics reveals ordered rotation in GS-10578, with a spin parameter $\lambda_{Re}=0.62\pm0.07$. This indicates that the galaxy is rotation supported and further supports the presence of AGN feedback without destroying the stellar disc.