Presented By: Department of Astronomy
The Department of Astronomy 2025-2026 Colloquium Series Presents:
Dr. Megan Donahue, Professor, Michigan State University

"JWST Views of Cluster Brightest Cluster Galaxy Nebulae: Dusty Molecular Hydrogen"
I will discuss preliminary analyses of a sample of 7 brightest cluster galaxies observed with the JWST Mid Infrared Imager and IFU Spectrograph. BCGs often host bright optical emission line filaments. These filaments are strongly associated with the presence of xray emitting intracluster gas with a short cooling time and with active AGN feedback. The filaments are multiphase, multi temperature; the spectra allow the measurement of speeds and velocity widths to a few kpc/sec at scales of 0.2”. I will discuss some surprising features and next steps in the work.
I will discuss preliminary analyses of a sample of 7 brightest cluster galaxies observed with the JWST Mid Infrared Imager and IFU Spectrograph. BCGs often host bright optical emission line filaments. These filaments are strongly associated with the presence of xray emitting intracluster gas with a short cooling time and with active AGN feedback. The filaments are multiphase, multi temperature; the spectra allow the measurement of speeds and velocity widths to a few kpc/sec at scales of 0.2”. I will discuss some surprising features and next steps in the work.