Stochastic grain heating and mid-infrared emission in protostellar cores

Details Stochastic grain heating and mid-infrared emission in protostellar cores Stochastic grain heating and mid-infrared emission in protostellar cores

2012-01-03

arxiv.org/abs/1201.0642v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Galaxy Astrophysics

Accepted for publication in MNRAS

Scientific paper

Stochastic heating of small grains is often mentioned as a primary cause of large infrared (IR) fluxes from star-forming galaxies, e.g. at 24\mu m. If the mechanism does work at a galaxy-wide scale, it should show up at smaller scales as well. We calculate temperature probability density distributions within a model protostellar core for four dust components: large silicate and graphite grains, small graphite grains, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon particles. The corresponding spectral energy distributions are calculated and compared with observations of a representative infrared dark cloud core. We show that stochastic heating, induced by the standard interstellar radiation field, cannot explain high mid-IR emission toward the centre of the core. In order to reproduce the observed emission from the core projected centre, in particular, at 24\mu m, we need to increase the ambient radiation field by a factor of about 70. However, the model with enhanced radiation field predicts even higher intensities at the core periphery, giving it a ring-like appearance, that is not observed. We discuss possible implications of this finding and also discuss a role of other non-radiative dust heating processes.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Stochastic grain heating and mid-infrared emission in protostellar cores 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 Stochastic grain heating and mid-infrared emission in protostellar cores, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Stochastic grain heating and mid-infrared emission in protostellar cores will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-183867