Hydra A: Star formation and dust production in a cooling flow

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

37

Astronomical Spectroscopy, Cooling Flows (Astrophysics), Cosmic Dust, Interstellar Matter, Radio Astronomy, Radio Galaxies, Star Formation, Ultraviolet Astronomy, Absorption Spectra, Astronomical Photometry, Charge Coupled Devices, Emission Spectra, Iue, X Rays

Scientific paper

Optical images and spectroscopy are presented for the radio galaxy Hydra A which contains a substantial flow of cooling X-ray gas. A young stellar population is observed as an excess light aroung the center showing blue color and Balmer lines in absorption. The same area also exhibits strong optical emission lines. Our IUE spectra show Ly alpha and an ultraviolet continuum. The optical luminosity and color of the excess light, the presence of Balmer absorption lines, and the UV continuum flux are compatible with a burst of recent star formation of an age approximately equal to 107 yr, total mass 108 - 109 solar mass, and an initial mass function including OB stars. We argue that the young stars and the emission-line gas most likely are products of the cooling flow. This is apparently contridicted by the unexpected presence of a significant amount of dust in Hydra A. The dust is inferred form a substantial far-infrared flux which rivals the X-ray emission in cooling the hot gas. We argue for the hypothesis that the dust is produced in connection with star formation in the cooling flow.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Hydra A: Star formation and dust production in a cooling flow 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 Hydra A: Star formation and dust production in a cooling flow, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hydra A: Star formation and dust production in a cooling flow will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1055870

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.