Detection of Dense Molecular Gas in Inter-Arm Spurs in M51

Details Detection of Dense Molecular Gas in Inter-Arm Spurs in M51 Detection of Dense Molecular Gas in Inter-Arm Spurs in M51

2008-11-18

arxiv.org/abs/0811.2903v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

6 pages, 3 figures, emulate-apj format, accepted in ApJ

Scientific paper

10.1086/592557

Spiral arm spurs are prominent features that have been observed in extinction and 8$\mu$m emission in nearby galaxies. In order to understand their molecular gas properties, we used the Owens Valley Radio Observatory to map the CO(J=1--0) emission in three spurs emanating from the inner northwestern spiral arm of M51. We report CO detections from all three spurs. The molecular gas mass and surface density are M$_{H2} \sim3\times10^6$ M$_{\sun}$ and $\Sigma_{H2} \sim$50 M$_{\sun}$ pc$^{-2}$. Thus, relative to the spiral arms, the spurs are extremely weak features. However, since the spurs are extended perpendicular to the spiral arms for $\sim$500 pc and contain adequate fuel for star formation, they may be the birthplace for observed inter-arm HII regions. This reduces the requirement for the significant time delay that would be otherwise needed if the inter-arm star formation was initiated in the spiral arms. Larger maps of galaxies at similar depth are required to further understand the formation and evolution of these spurs and their role in star formation - such data should be forthcoming with the new CARMA and future ALMA telescopes and can be compared to several recent numerical simulations that have been examining the evolution of spiral arm spurs.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Detection of Dense Molecular Gas in Inter-Arm Spurs in M51 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 Detection of Dense Molecular Gas in Inter-Arm Spurs in M51, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Detection of Dense Molecular Gas in Inter-Arm Spurs in M51 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-101176