Dust-free starburst galaxies at redshifts z > 10

One of the most distant galaxies GN-z11 was formed when the Universe was <= 400 Myr old, and it displays a burst-like star formation rate similar to 25 M-circle dot yr(-1) with a metallicity Z similar to 0.2 +/- 0.1 Z(circle dot). It resembles z = 2-3 galaxies (at 'cosmic noon') except for the fact that the measured reddening E(B - V) = 0.01 +/- 0.01 indicates the presence of little or no dust. This marked absence of dust hints towards violent dynamical events that destroy or evacuate dust along with gas out of the galaxy on a relatively short time-scale and make it transparent. We apply a 3D numerical model to infer possible physical characteristics of these events. We demonstrate that the energetics of the observed star formation rate is sufficient to tear apart the dusty veil on time-scales of 20-25 Myr. This can explain the apparent lack of evolution of ultraviolet luminosity function of galaxies between z >= 10 and z similar to 7, by compensating for the lower galaxy masses at higher redshift by the absence of dust. We show, however, that this is a temporary phenomenon and soon after the last of the supernovae explosions have taken place, the expanding shell shrinks and obscures the galaxy on time-scales of approximate to 5-8 Myr.

Automated summary

GN-z11, one of the most distant galaxies, formed when the Universe was <= 400 Myr old. It exhibits a burst-like star formation rate of 25 M-circle dot yr(-1) and a metallicity Z similar to 0.2 +/- 0.1 Z(circle dot). Surprisingly, the measurement indicates minimal dust presence, suggesting violent dynamical events that strip away dust and gas from the galaxy. Using a 3D numerical model, the researchers demonstrate that the observed star formation rate can tear apart the dusty veil in 20-25 Myr, explaining the lack of evolution in the ultraviolet luminosity function of galaxies.