Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 1995
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1995apj...438l..79h&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal, Part 2 - Letters (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 438, no. 2, p. L79-L82
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
3
Cosmology, Gas-Solid Interactions, Interstellar Gas, Interstellar Matter, Magellanic Clouds, Massive Stars, Ring Galaxies, Star Formation, Carbon Dioxide Concentration, Helium, Line Spectra, Sky Surveys (Astronomy), Space Observations (From Earth)
Scientific paper
We have used the NRAO 12 m telescope to map the inner 10 kpc of NGC 2445, the ring galaxy in Arp 143, in CO-12(J = 1-0). Emission is peaked near the ring galaxy nucleus, but we find evidence for an additional asymmetric and extended CO component. This extended CO distribution is consistent with an approximately 8 kpc diameter crescent-shaped ring of molecular gas, similar to the one seen in H I, accounting for approximately half of the total CO flux. Assuming this distribution, we derive a total H2 mass for NGC 2445 of 0.4-2.4 x 1010 solar mass, depending on whether a Galactic or low-metallicity Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) conversion factor is used, and an H2/H I mass ratio between 0.9 and 5. The ring is experiencing low rates of massive star formation despite very high gas column densities. We find that the gas surface density exceeds the critical threshold for star formation throughout the ring, even without a possible contribution from a significant molecular component. The absence of vigorous star formation is most simply understood in terms of its youth (approximately 30 Myr): massive stars have not had time to form in large numbers. Our results support the interpretation that NGC 2445 is a nascent ring galaxy, seen prior to its ring starburst phase.
Higdon James L.
Lord Steven D.
Rand Richard J.
Smith Beverly J.
No associations
LandOfFree
The detection of molecular gas in the ring galaxy ARP 143 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 The detection of molecular gas in the ring galaxy ARP 143, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The detection of molecular gas in the ring galaxy ARP 143 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1819253