Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
May 1992
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992apj...390...66r&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 390, no. 1, May 1, 1992, p. 66-78. Previously announced in STAR as N90-2926
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
49
H I Regions, H Ii Regions, Infrared Radiation, Interstellar Matter, Spiral Galaxies, Star Formation, Carbon Monoxide, H Alpha Line, H Beta Line, Infrared Astronomy Satellite, Ionizing Radiation, Radial Distribution, Star Formation Rate
Scientific paper
H I, infrared, CO, H alpha and beta band observations of M51, the prototypical grand-design spiral galaxy, are used to study the consequences of star formation for the distribution of H I and dust. Using the H I and CO data sets new tests of the idea that the H I is largely dissociation product in star-forming regions were performed. It was confirmed that the H I spiral arms are generally coincident with the H I region arms, and offset downstream from the CO arms. The radial distributions of total gas, H alpha and H I surface density have a simple explanation in the dissociation picture. The distributions also demonstrate how the surface density of H I might be related to the star formation efficiency in molecule-rich galaxies. The large width of the regions along the arms compared to that of the H II regions can be understood in terms of a simple Stroemgren sphere calculation. The long lifetime of the stars producing dissociating radiation vs. those producing ionizing radiation will also contribute to the greater width of the H I arms if stars are continuously forming on the arms. The lack of detailed coincidence of the H I and H II regions along the inner arms has a variety of possible explanations within the dissociation scenario. Two simple tests to probe the origin of the IRAS emission in M51 were performed.
Kulkarni Shrinivas R.
Rand Richard J.
Rice Walter
No associations
LandOfFree
Star formation and the distribution of HI and infrared emission 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 Star formation and the distribution of HI and infrared emission in M51, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Star formation and the distribution of HI and infrared emission in M51 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1514245