Physics
Scientific paper
Apr 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006atnf.prop..308d&link_type=abstract
ATNF proposal M188, Semester: April, 2006
Physics
Extragalactic, Mopra
Scientific paper
The currently popular paradigm for galaxy formation posits that early-type galaxies formed through the merger of two spiral galaxies. The ensuing starburst is expected to deplete the gas reservoir, halting further star formation. E+A galaxies have optical spectra with strong Balmer absorption lines but no emission lines and are the best candidates for being post-starburst merger remnants turning into future ellipticals. As part of a larger project on E+As, we propose to observe HCN and CO line emission of a sample of nearby E+As with MOPRA. HCN is a tracer of dense molecular clouds while CO traces the more diffuse molecular gas. If E+As are truly in a post-starburst phase, one would expect most of the dense molecular gas to have been evaporated. Moreover, HCN emission is probably the most direct tracer of star formation that is unaffected by dust obscuration. With these data, we will be able to distinguish galaxies hosting dust-enshrouded star formation from true post-starburst galaxies and to study the conditions and processes that control star formation at higher redshifts.
Buyle Pieter
de Rijcke Sven
Dejonghe Herwig
Freeman Ken
Michielsen Dolf
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