Statistics
Scientific paper
May 2007
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007sptz.prop40410r&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #40410
Statistics
Scientific paper
The interstellar medium (ISM) of late-type galaxies is largely confined to a disk in the plane of the galaxy, but can be removed from that configuration by a variety of processes. Forces internal to the galaxy, like energetic star formation or an active nucleus can drive winds which push the ISM out of the plane or even eject it altogether, while external forces like gravitational interaction or ram-pressure stripping can compress the ISM, also possibly driving it out of the galaxy. The displacement of the ISM affects star formation activity and the chemical content, altering the subsequent evolution of the host galaxy or its neighbors. The gaseous component of the displaced ISM is the most readily detected, but displaced dust has also been detected in some galaxies. It is unknown, however, whether dust always accompanies the displaced gas. Whether dust is present in significant quantities in the ISM ejected from galaxies has profound implications for the host galaxy and for its environment: dust that stays in the plane of the galaxy will alter the chemical balance of the ISM, affecting subsequent star formation activity and the observational properties of the galaxy, while dust that enters the intergalactic medium will redden and attenuate light from more distant galaxies and possibly also fall onto neighboring galaxies, affecting their subsequent evolution as well. The distribution and composition of ejected dust provides clues to the expulsion mechanism (e.g., is the dust found only in a nuclear wind, and is it chemically similar to the dust in the nucleus?) and thus insight into the processes that affect the ISM. The Spitzer 8 micron and 24 micron bands are ideal for measuring extraplanar dust, and we propose to survey a sample of nearby galaxies to look for this dust. The images will show the dust distribution and provide statistics on the frequency of dust emission from extraplanar gas, while the ratio will constrain the composition and provide insight into the expulsion mechanism.
Engelbracht Charles
Rieke George
No associations
LandOfFree
Extraplanar Dust in Nearby Galaxies 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 Extraplanar Dust in Nearby Galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Extraplanar Dust in Nearby Galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1749269