Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2002-05-23
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
14 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in A&A
Scientific paper
10.1051/0004-6361:20020784
We present our 5-16 micron spectro-imaging observations of VV114, an infrared luminous early-stage merger, taken with the ISOCAM camera on-board ISO. We find that only 40% of the mid-infrared (MIR) flux is associated with a compact nuclear region, while the rest of the emission originates from a rather diffuse component extended over several kpc. This is in stark contrast with the very compact MIR starbursts usually seen in luminous infrared galaxies. A secondary peak of MIR emission is associated with an extra-nuclear star forming region which displays the largest Halpha equivalent width in the whole system. Comparing our data with the distribution of the molecular gas and cold dust, as well as with radio observations, it becomes evident that the conversion of molecular gas into stars can be triggered over large areas at the very first stages of an interaction. The presence of a very strong continuum at 5 microns in one of the sources indicates that an enshrouded active galactic nucleus may contribute to 40% of its MIR flux. We finally note that the relative variations in the UV to radio spectral properties between the merging galaxies provide evidence that the extinction-corrected star formation rate of similar objects at high z, such as those detected in optical deep surveys, can not be accurately derived from their rest-frame UV properties.
Cesarsky Catherine J.
Charmandaris Vassilios
Gallais Pascal
Laurent Olivier
Le Floc'h Emeric
No associations
LandOfFree
Extended mid-infrared emission from VV 114: probing the birth of a ULIRG 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 Extended mid-infrared emission from VV 114: probing the birth of a ULIRG, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Extended mid-infrared emission from VV 114: probing the birth of a ULIRG will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-454172