Giant Molecular Clouds in the Dwarf Galaxy NGC1569

Details Giant Molecular Clouds in the Dwarf Galaxy NGC1569 Giant Molecular Clouds in the Dwarf Galaxy NGC1569

1999-06-26

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9906427v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

12 pages, 9 figures. Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Scientific paper

We present CO (1-0) and (2-1) observations of the dwarf starburst galaxy NGC 1569 with the IRAM interferometer on Plateau de Bure. We find the CO emission is not spatially associated with the two super star clusters in the galaxy, but rather is found in the vicinity of an HII region. With the resolution of our data, we can resolve the CO emission into five distinct giant molecular clouds, four are detected at both transitions. In the (1-0) transition the sizes and linewidths are similar to those of GMCs in the Milky Way Galaxy and other nearby systems, with diameters ranging from about 40 to 50 pc and linewidths from 4 to 9 \kms. The (2-1)/(1-0) line ratios range from 0.64 +- 0.30 to 1.31 +- 0.60 in the different clouds. The lower line ratios are similar to those seen in typical Galactic GMCs, while values higher than unity are often seen in interacting or starburst galaxies. We use the virial theorem to derive the CO-H(2) conversion factor for three of the clouds, and we adopt an average value of 6.6 +-1.5 times the Galactic conversion factor for NGC 1569 in general. We discuss the role of the molecular gas in NGC 1569, and its relationship to the hot component of the ISM. Finally, we compare our observations with blue compact dwarf galaxies which have been mapped in CO.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Giant Molecular Clouds in the Dwarf Galaxy NGC1569 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 Giant Molecular Clouds in the Dwarf Galaxy NGC1569, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Giant Molecular Clouds in the Dwarf Galaxy NGC1569 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-60719