Tracing the [FeII]/[NeII] ratio and its relationship with other ISM indicators within star forming dwarf galaxies: a Spitzer IRS archival study

Details Tracing the [FeII]/[NeII] ratio and its relationship with other ISM indicators within star forming dwarf galaxies: a Spitzer IRS archival study Tracing the [FeII]/[NeII] ratio and its relationship with other ISM indicators within star forming dwarf galaxies: a Spitzer IRS archival study

2008-03-20

arxiv.org/abs/0803.3000v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

11 pages, 7 figures, preprint produced in ApJ format using emulateapj. Accepted for publication in ApJ

Scientific paper

10.1086/588515

Archival Spitzer observations of 41 starburst galaxies that span a wide range in metallicity reveal for the first time a correlation between the [FeII]/[NeII] 26.0/12.8 micron ratio and the electron gas density as traced by the 18.7/33.4 micron [SIII] ratio, with the [FeII]/[NeII] ratio decreasing with increasing gas density. The correlations of the [FeII]/[NeII] ratio, the PAH peak to continuum strength & metallicity found in an earlier paper were confirmed for a larger sample. We also find a strong correlation between the gas density and the PAH peak to continuum strength. Using shock and photoionization models, we see the driver of the observed [FeII]/[NeII] ratios is metallicity. The majority of [FeII] emission in low metallicity galaxies may be shock-derived, whilst at high metallicity, the [FeII] emission may be instead dominated by contributions from HII and in particular from dense PDR regions. However, the observed [FeII]/[NeII] ratios may instead be following a metallicity-abundance relationship, with iron being less depleted onto grains in low metallicity galaxies - a result that would have profound implications for the use of iron emission lines as unambiguous tracers of shocks.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Tracing the [FeII]/[NeII] ratio and its relationship with other ISM indicators within star forming dwarf galaxies: a Spitzer IRS archival study 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 Tracing the [FeII]/[NeII] ratio and its relationship with other ISM indicators within star forming dwarf galaxies: a Spitzer IRS archival study, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Tracing the [FeII]/[NeII] ratio and its relationship with other ISM indicators within star forming dwarf galaxies: a Spitzer IRS archival study will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-578090