The Origin of the Diffuse Hα in Spirals

Details The Origin of the Diffuse Hα in Spirals The Origin of the Diffuse Hα in Spirals

Mar 2001

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001ap%26ss.276.1015z&link_type=abstract

Astrophysics and Space Science, v. 276, Issue 2/4, p. 1015-1022 (2001).

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

2

Scientific paper

Using high-quality H_α images of five spiral galaxies, we have studied the luminosity and distribution of the emission from diffuse ionized gas (DIG). The estimated DIG luminosities account for 25-60% of the total H_α emission in each galaxy and analysis of the distribution has shown that the DIG is highly correlated geometrically with the most luminous HII regions of the galaxies. The power required to ionize the DIG is very high. The mean ionization rates per unit surface area of a galaxy disc are of the order of 10^7 cm^-2 s^-1. Lyman continuum photons (Lyc) from OB asociations are the most probable sources of this ionization. Here we propose a specific model for these sources: we show that the Lyman photon flux that leaks out of the density-bounded HII regions of the galaxies is more than enough to ionize the measured DIG in the five galaxies analysed.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The Origin of the Diffuse Hα in Spirals does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The Origin of the Diffuse Hα in Spirals, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Origin of the Diffuse Hα in Spirals will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1005528