Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2010-07-21
The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 720, Issue 1, pp. 541-547 (2010)
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
18 pages including 4 figures. Accepted for publication in ApJ
Scientific paper
10.1088/0004-637X/720/1/541
We study the distribution of stars, HII regions, molecular gas, and individual giant molecular clouds in M33 over a wide range of spatial scales. The clustering strength of these components is systematically estimated through the fractal dimension. We find scale-free behavior at small spatial scales and a transition to a larger correlation dimension (consistent with a nearly uniform distribution) at larger scales. The transition region lies in the range 500-1000 pc. This transition defines a characteristic size that separates the regime of small-scale turbulent motion from that of large-scale galactic dynamics. At small spatial scales, bright young stars and molecular gas are distributed with nearly the same three-dimensional fractal dimension (Df <= 1.9), whereas fainter stars and HII regions exhibit higher values (Df = 2.2-2.5). Our results indicate that the interstellar medium in M33 is on average more fragmented and irregular than in the Milky Way.
Alfaro Emilio J.
Anez Neyda
Crone Odekon Mary
Sanchez Nestor
No associations
LandOfFree
The fractal dimension of star-forming regions at different spatial scales in M33 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 fractal dimension of star-forming regions at different spatial scales in M33, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The fractal dimension of star-forming regions at different spatial scales in M33 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-183708