Stellar Populations with MaNGA: Iron Kink and Nitrogen Fuzz

Abstract Recent analysis of 2968 MaNGA early-type galaxies has yielded two notable trends with velocity dispersion ( σ ) not previously discussed in the literature. First, Fe abundance rises with σ but only until σ ≈ 100 km s −1 , after which it falls. This kink is reproduced by TNG100 simulations, implying that hierarchical merger processes might explain it. Second, astrophysical scatter in N is high for galaxies with σ < 100 km s −1 . Due to the restricted list of nucleosynthetic sources for N, it is likely that asymptotic giant branch stars provide most of this N. A varied star formation history (compared to that of massive galaxies) along with variable retention and recycling of N-enriched gas might explain the fuzz of N abundance in low- σ galaxies. Because a timescale argument seems necessary to explain the nitrogen fuzz, and an initial mass function argument is ruled out, similar timescale arguments for the [Mg/Fe] trend as a function of velocity dispersion are supported.