Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-03-27
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
26 pages, 9 figures, accepted in ApJ, preprint with higher resolution figures and complete fig set 9 available at http://www
Scientific paper
10.1086/588580
We present GALEX UV observations of a sample of Low Surface Brightness (LSB) galaxies for which HI data are available, allowing us to estimate their star formation efficiency. We find that the UV light extends to larger radii than the optical light (some galaxies, but not all, look similar to the recently discovered XUV-disk galaxies). Using a standard calibration to convert the UV light into star formation rates, we obtain lower star formation efficiencies in LSB galaxies than in high surface brightness galaxies by about one order of magnitude. We show however that standard calibrations may not apply to these galaxies, as the FUV-NUV color obtained from the two GALEX bands (FUV and NUV; lambda_eff= 1516 and 2267 A, respectively) is redder than expected for star forming galaxies. This color can be interpreted as a result of internal extinction, modified Initial Mass Function or by star formation histories characterized by bursts followed by quiescent phases. Our analysis favors this latter hypothesis.
Amram Ph.
Balkowski Ch.
Boissier Samuel
Boselli Alessandro
Buat Veronique
No associations
LandOfFree
GALEX observations of Low Surface Brightness Galaxies: UV color and star formation efficiency 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 GALEX observations of Low Surface Brightness Galaxies: UV color and star formation efficiency, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and GALEX observations of Low Surface Brightness Galaxies: UV color and star formation efficiency will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-353746