The star formation law in galactic disks

Details The star formation law in galactic disks The star formation law in galactic disks

Sep 1989

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1989apj...344..685k&link_type=abstract

Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 344, Sept. 15, 1989, p. 685-703.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

1153

Galactic Evolution, H Alpha Line, H Ii Regions, Interstellar Gas, Star Formation Rate, Emission Spectra, Gas Dynamics, Radial Distribution, Spiral Galaxies

Scientific paper

Measurements of the distribution of H-alpha emission in galaxies are combined with published H I and CO data in order to reassess the dependence of the massive star formation rate (SFR) on the density and dynamics of the interstellar gas. The disk-averaged H-alpha surface brightness is correlated with the mean atomic and total gas surface densities, but is only weakly correlated with the mean molecular gas density inferred from CO emission. Radial profiles of gas and H-alpha emission in 15 galaxies are used to define the relationship between the SFR and gas surface density. In dense regions, the SFR and total gas density are well-represented by a Schmidt power-law relation. This Schmidt law breaks down, however, at densities below a critical threshold value. Massive star formation is completely suppressed at surface densities well below the threshold, while at densities near the threshold value the slope of the SFR-density relation is much steeper than a normal Schmidt law. A simple Toomre disk stability model predicts threshold densities and radii which are in excellent agreement with observations.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The star formation law in galactic disks 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 The star formation law in galactic disks, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The star formation law in galactic disks will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-761627