Infrared fluorescence of H2 in NGC 6240 - A starburst origin for the H2 luminosity

Details Infrared fluorescence of H2 in NGC 6240 - A starburst origin for the H2 luminosity Infrared fluorescence of H2 in NGC 6240 - A starburst origin for the H2 luminosity

Jun 1991

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1991apj...374..516t&link_type=abstract

Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 374, June 20, 1991, p. 516-521.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

26

Fluorescence, Hydrogen, Molecular Oscillations, Near Infrared Radiation, Starburst Galaxies, Vibrational Spectra, B Stars, Early Stars, Interacting Galaxies, Luminous Intensity, Stellar Evolution, Stellar Mass

Scientific paper

It is shown here that the published emission line ratios for vibrationally excited molecular hydrogen in the near-IR for the highly luminous galaxy merger system NGC 6240 imply UV excitation followed by IR fluorescence. The line ratios for the central 2 kpc or so of the system are well-reproduced as a mixture of fluorescent and thermal components. Of the total H2 luminosity of 3 x 10 to the 9th solar, 70 percent is due to fluorescence. This emission is excited by UV photons probably radiated by many early B stars. The abundance of such stars and the deficit of O stars indicate a sharp upper mass cutoff at about 20 solar masses in the present-day mass spectrum in the central region. A starburst model is presented in which the observations can be reproduced if the central region experienced a cataclysmic starburst which stopped suddenly a few ten billion yr ago and if the initial mass function there had a lower mass cutoff at about 5 solar.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Infrared fluorescence of H2 in NGC 6240 - A starburst origin for the H2 luminosity 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 Infrared fluorescence of H2 in NGC 6240 - A starburst origin for the H2 luminosity, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Infrared fluorescence of H2 in NGC 6240 - A starburst origin for the H2 luminosity will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1279468