Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2005-04-25
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Accepted for publication in MNRAS letters. 5 figures, 1 table
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1745-3933.2005.00056.x
We present a sample of 33 galaxies for which we have calculated (i) the average rate of shear from publish rotation curves, (ii) the far-infrared luminosity from IRAS fluxes and (iii) The K-band luminosity from 2MASS. We show that a correlation exists between the shear rate and the ratio of the far-infrared to K-band luminosity. This ratio is essentially a measure of the star formation rate per unit mass, or the specific star formation rate. From this correlation we show that a critical shear rate exists, above which star formation would turn off in the disks of spiral galaxies. Using the correlation between shear rate and spiral arm pitch angle, this shear rate corresponds to the lowest pitch angles typically measured in near-infrared images of spiral galaxies.
No associations
LandOfFree
The connection between shear and star formation in spiral 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 The connection between shear and star formation in spiral galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The connection between shear and star formation in spiral galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-468972