Mysterious Ionized Nuclear Spirals in M31 and M81

Details Mysterious Ionized Nuclear Spirals in M31 and M81 Mysterious Ionized Nuclear Spirals in M31 and M81

Mar 2008

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008sptz.prop50474f&link_type=abstract

Spitzer Proposal ID #50474

Other

Scientific paper

Despite decades of study, M31 and M81 remain enigmatic galaxies. Both harbor large (~ 1kpc), and luminous, H-alpha emission line spirals, the origin and excitation of which remains poorly understood. None of the usual sources of ionization, such as massive stars for example, can account for the observed H-alpha line emission. Evidently, there is some unconventional source of ionization present in the central region of M31 and M81 that could be present in other galaxies and other active galactic nuclei. However ubiquitous, this phenomenon can only be studied in very nearby galaxies like M31 and M81 where we can acquire observations with high angular resolution and sensitivity. We propose to use the Infrared Array Spectrometer aboard the Spitzer Space Telescope to obtain mid-infrared spectroscopic observations of the emission line spirals in M31 and M81. Specifically, we propose to sample the spatial distribution of [NeII] and [NeIII] line emission, as these lines will enable us to determine the spatial extent and the spectral shape of the ionizing radiation field that is responsible for exciting the emission line gas. The observations will allow us to distinguish between viable candidates for the ionization as diverse as hot, billion year old post AGB stars, mechanical shocks and hot x-ray gas.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Mysterious Ionized Nuclear Spirals in M31 and M81 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 Mysterious Ionized Nuclear Spirals in M31 and M81, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Mysterious Ionized Nuclear Spirals in M31 and M81 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-885209