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At least 163 records · Page 9
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NASA NTRS1982

Large-scale magnetic fields in spiral galaxies

The optical polarization vectors which measurements have shown to be parallel to the pronounced dark lanes of such galaxies as NGC 5128 and 4590 are interpreted as the consequence of a large scale, systematic field parallel to the dark lane that leads to the alignment of the grains. It is suggested that such polarization may also be produced by scattering off grains concentrated in the dark lane. It is recommended that there be further observational tests of the hypothesis that the observed polarization indicates the magnetic field in the galaxy.

Jura, M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The correlation between far-IR and radio continuum emission from spiral galaxies

A sample of 30 galaxies selected for their intense IRAS flux at 60 and 100 micron using the Arecibo telescope at 21 cm to measure the continuum and HI line luminosities were observed. The centimeter wave continuum correlates very well with the far-infrared flux, with a correlation coefficient as high as that found for other samples, and the same ratio between FIR and radio luminosities. Weaker correlations are seen between the FIR and optical luminosity and between the FIR and radio continuum. There is very little correlation between the FIR and the HI mass deduced from the integral of the 21 cm line. The strength of the radio continuum correlation suggests that there is little contribution to either the radio and FIR from physical processes not affecting both. If they each reflect time integrals of the star formation rate then the time constants must be similar, or the star formation rate must change slowly in these galaxies.

Dickey, John M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

New detections of CO emission from four spiral galaxies

A CO survey of external galaxies was conducted to compare observations with computational models of the evolution of the neutral interstellar medium. The paper presents preliminary results of CO detections and mapping in the following systems: NGC 628, 1637, 4258, and 5055. The variation of the velocity dispersion along the major axis versus the radius for NGC 628 is described.

Adler, David S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Shapes of star-gas waves in spiral galaxies

Density-wave profile shapes are influenced by several effects. By solving viscous fluid equations, the nonlinear effects of the gas and its gravitational interaction with the stars can be analyzed. The stars are treated through a linear theory developed by Lin and coworkers. Short wavelength gravitational forces are important in determining the gas density profile shape. With the inclusion of disk finite thickness effects, the gas gravitational field remains important, but is significantly reduced at short wavelengths. Softening of the gas equation of state results in an enhanced response and a smoothing of the gas density profile. A Newtonian stress relation is marginally acceptable for HI gas clouds, but not acceptable for giant molecular clouds.

Lubow, Stephen H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

C II forbidden line emission from spiral galaxies

Measurements of 158-micron forbidden emission taken from a sample of 13 gas-rich galaxies are analyzed. The new data are combined with the previous sample of six infrared-bright galaxies. The 158-micron line emission line is bright in all of the galaxies detected, amounting to between 0.1 and 0.2 percent of the total nuclear far-infrared luminosity, and is therefore one of the primary gas coolants in these regions. A close association between 158-micron line emission and CO line emission is noted, with the integrated 158-micron/CO line intensity ratio being substantially less in galaxies than in Galactic star-formation regions. However, for the starburst galaxies the integrated line intensity ratio is the same as that for star-formation regions in the Galaxy.

Stacey, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

What is the number of spiral galaxies in compact groups

The distribution of morphological types of galaxies in compact groups is studied on plates from the 6 m telescope. In compact groups there are 57 percent galaxies of late morphological types (S + Irr), 23 percent lenticulars (SO) and 20 percent elliptical galaxies. The morphological content of compact groups is very nearly the same as in loose groups. There is no dependence of galaxy morphology on density in all compact groups (and possibly in loose groups). Genuine compact groups form only 60 percent of Hickson's list.

Tikhonov, N. A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Correlations between the far-infrared, radio, and blue luminosities of spiral galaxies

FIR-radio luminosity correlations are presently derived for two statistically complete samples spanning a wide luminosity range. While observed correlations are tight, they are not linear; the observed scattering is mostly intrinsic. An empirical correction to the radio luminosities, based on observed blue luminosities, makes the corrected FIR-radio correlation linear and eliminates most of the residual variance. A two-component model that is consistent with the improved correlation is proposed for the heating luminosity within galaxies. The first, radio-loud component contains young massive stars that heat the dust, while contributing to the cool cirrus dust-heating interstellar radiation field. The second, radio-quiet component is made up of less massive older stars.

Condon, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The vertical disk structure of the edge-on spiral galaxy NGC 3079

NGC 3079 is an edge-on SB(s)c galaxy at a redshift of 1225 km/s relative to the Local Group. Earlier researchers found a spectacular 'figure-eight' radio structure aligned along the minor axis of the galaxy, centered on the nucleus, and extending 3 kpc above and below the plane. The geometry of this structure and the evidence of unusually high nuclear gas velocities suggest that a wind-type outflow from the nucleus is taking place. The disk of NGC 3079 is also remarkable: it is extremely rich in H 2 regions and is the only unambiguous example of a galaxy outside M31 and our own Galaxy to exhibit 'Heiles-like' shells. Other researchers have also identified a nebulosity with a ragged X-shaped morphology formed by a system of lumpy filaments with individual lengths of 3 - 5 kpc. They suggest that this material is ambient halo gas entrained into the boundary layers of the nuclear outflow. The complex structure of the line emission in NGC 3079 makes this object an ideal target for an imaging spectroscopic study. The present paper reports the preliminary results of such a study.

Veilleux, S.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Probing the optical depth of spiral galaxies using multi-waveband observations

The questions of the optical depth and extinction of galaxies obviously have far-reaching implications; from determining the true stellar content and baryonic mass of galaxies to the origin of the major component of their far infrared radiation. We have investigated whether the reddening of stars can be used to determine the amount and extent of obscuring dust. We find that the amount of reddening is very sensitive to the assumed geometry. The usually assumed case of a screen of dust between the observer and the star produces, for a given optical depth, the maximum amount of reddening. However, for external galaxies such a geometry is clearly wrong. More realistic geometries where the dust and stars are uniformly mixed (a 'slab') or where the dust is sandwiched by unobscured stars (a 'sandwich') produce significantly less reddening. For the slab geometry of the reddening rises to a maximum value as the optical depth is increased, and for a sandwich geometry the reddening will actually decrease as the optical depth becomes larger. The reddening vectors produced by these realistic geometries are compared to multi-waveband observations of individual regions of a sample of eight galaxies. We find evidence for significant optical depths in the central regions of some of these galaxies, but optical depths of less than unity at approx. 2 scale lengths from the centers. The optical depths derived are in good agreement with other tests such as the measured hydrogen column densities and the far infrared to blue light ratios. However, whereas these two latter approaches are insensitive to the relative distributions of the stars and the dust, the amount of reddening seen in these eight galaxies suggests that the dust to stellar scale height ratio xi is greater than or equal to 0.5. We find typical blue band extinctions of A(sub B) = 0.75-1.0, a factor of 3-4 higher than the RC2 value.

Evans, Rhodri↗
NASA NTRS1994

Discovery of an obscured low luminosity active nucleus in the spiral galaxy NGC 4258

The spectra and images of the nearby jet galaxy NGC 4258 (M106) obtained with ASCA indicate presence of several distinct X-ray emission components. The emission above 3 keV is pointlike and coincident in position with the optical nucleus, exhibiting a hard (photon index approximately 1.78) and absorbed N(sub H) approximately 1.5 x 10(exp 23) cm(exp -2) spectrum. This provides clear evidence that NGC 4258 hosts an obscured active nucleus of low luminosity, about 4 x 10(exp 40) ergs s(exp -1) in 2-10 keV after removing the absorption. Iron K-line emission with an equivalent width 0.25 +/- 0.10 keV was detected. The emission below 1 keV is dominated by an extended approximately 4 min thin-thermal component with a temperature approximately 0.5 keV exhibiting atomic emission lines, possibly associated with the jet. There exists a third continuum component with an intermediate spectral hardness, which is brightest at approximately 1 min south-east of the nucleus.

Makishima, Kazuo↗
NASA NTRS1995

Star formation activity in spiral galaxy disks and the properties of radio halos: Observational evidence for a direct dependence

In this article we address observationally the questions: how does star formation (SF) in the disks of galaxies lead to the creation of radio halos, and what minimum energy input into the interstellar medium (ISM) is needed to facilitate this? For the investigation we use a sample of five edge-on galaxies exhibiting radio continuum emmission in their halos and enhanced SF spread over large parts of their disks. In a detailed study of the two galaxies in our sample for which we have the best data, NGC 891 and NGC 4631, we show that the radio halos cut off abruptly at galactocentric radii smaller than those of the underlying thin radio disks. Our most important result is that the halo cutoffs are spatially coincident with the radii where the SF activity in the underlying disks drops sharply. The difference in radius of the emission distributions tracing ongoing SF in the disks (IRAS 50 micrometers, H alpha) versus that of the nonthermal radio continuum thin disks (tracing the distribution of cosmic-ray (CR) electrons) is typically a few kpc. This difference in extent is caused by CR diffusion. We have measured the CR diffusion coefficients in the thin disks of both NGC 891 and NGC 4631. For radial diffusion of CR electrons within the galactic disks the values are D(sub r) = 1.1-2.5 x 10 (exp 29) sq cm/s (NGC 4631) and D(sub r) = 1.2 x 10(exp 29) sq cm/s (NGC 891). For motions in the z-direction in areas within the thin disks where no outflows occur, we derive a firm upper limit of D(sub z) less than or equal to 0.2 x 10(exp 28) sq cm/s for NGC 891. The value for NGC 4631 is D(sub z = 1.4 x 10 (exp 28) sq cm/s. The other three galaxies in our sample, NGC 3044, NGC 4666, and NGC 5775 show (at the sensitivity of our data) less extended, more filamentary radio halos. Isolates spurs or filaments of nonthermal radio continuum emission in their halos are traced only above the most actively star-forming regions in the disks. This, in conjuction with the results obtained for NGC 891 and NGC 4631, suggests a direct connection between the shapes and radial extents of radio halos of normal galaxies and the level and the spatial distribution of the current SF in their disks. The existence of filamentary structures implies that expansion and convection of CR-heated plasma plays an important role even at low z-distances above the plane. Based on radio data we derive the disk-averaged mean energy input rates into the ISM due to supernova explosions per unit surface area in nine galaxies, including the ones in our sample. We find a clear trend in the sense that the galaxies with the highest mean energy input rates in the underlying disks have the most extended and pervasisve radio halos. Below a certain threshohld, outflows are inhibited. As a lower limit for this threshhold we derive an energy input rate of approximately 10 (exp -4) erg/s sq cm. The fact that radio halo emission is found only above the most luminous giant H 2 regions in late-type 'normal' galaxies (of type Sbc or later) indicates that only these are capable of initiating disk-halo interactions by locally exceeding the threshold. The distribution of the local outflows determines the overall shapes of the CR halos and leads to the observed filamentary structures.

Dahlem, Michael↗
NASA NTRS1995

The interstellar disk-halo connection in the spiral galaxy NGC 3079

We discuss the morphology and excitation of ionized gas in the nearby Sc galaxy NGC 3079. The almost edge-on orientation is ideal for studying the vertical structure of the gaseous disk, and especially the diffuse ionized medium (DIM) found between the bright H II regions. We used the Hawaii Imaging Fabry-Perot Interferometer (HIFI) to map 150,000 H-alpha + (N II) lambda lambda 6548, 6583 emission-line profiles across the entire disk, with resolution 70 km/s at subarcsecond steps, down to a flux level of approximately 10(exp -17) ergs/s/sq cm (EM approximately equal to 4 cm(exp -6) pc). The DIM contributes approximately 30% of the total disk H-alpha emission within a radius of 10 kpc. The DIM has broader emission lines and larger (N II) H-alpha flux ratios than the adjacent H II regions. Within a radius of 5 kpc, we find that the X-shaped filaments reported in previous studies emerge from the inner (R approximately equal to 1.5 kpc) disk, and rise more than 4 kpc above the disk plane. The morphology, kinematics, and excitation of the filaments suggest that they form a biconic interface between the undisturbed disk gas, and gas entrained in the wide-angle outflow. The DIM beyond 5 kpc radius is more vertically extended than the thick ionized disk detected in our Galaxy and in a few nearby edge-on systems. After correcting for dust, the vertical profile of this DIM has an exponential scale height of about 1.1 kpc, similar to that of the H I disk. The (N II) lambda 6538/H-alpha flux ratio of the DIM increases monotonically with vertical height, reaching unity for absolute value of z greater than or approximately equal to 2.5 kpc. The flux required to keep the DIM ionized at R = 8 kpc is similar to that near the solar circle of our Galaxy. Highly dilute radiation from O stars in the galactic plane probably maintains the DIM. The total mass of the DIM is of order 10(exp 8) - 10(exp 9) solar mass, representing less than 1% of the total dynamical mass of NGC 3079. Mechanical energy from intense star formation in the disk probably lifts the DIM above the disk. The several bubbles and filaments within 1 kpc of the disk plane is direct evidence for gas flow between the disk and halo.

Veilleux, Sylvain↗
NASA NTRS1998

The Soft X-Ray Emission Component of Spiral Galaxies

Work included the analysis of the HRJ observations of the Sombrero galaxy (Fabbiano and Juda) published in Ap.J. This paper discussed the discovery of a point-like x-ray source at the nucleus of the galaxy, which is suspected to host a massive black hole. More work was done on the analysis of the Observation of M94 in support of an AXAF proposal. We have also analyzed the M81 data by adding to our observation the entire set of the archival ROSAT data. We plan to write up the results for publication. Both galaxies have nuclei optically similar to that of the Sombrero galaxy. The nucleus of M81 is a known x-ray source. The M94 data has revealed a point-like nuclear source superposed on more diffuse emission.

Fabbiano, Giuseppina↗
NASA NTRS1999

Infrared Emission and Thermal Processes in Spiral Galaxies

In this research we constructed theoretical models of the infrared and submillimeter line and continuum emission from the neutral interstellar medium in the Milky Way and external galaxies. The model line intensities were compared to observations of the Galactic disk and several galaxies to determine the average physical properties of the neutral gas including the density, temperature, and ultraviolet radiation field which illuminates the gas. In addition we investigated the heating mechanisms in the Galactic disk and estimated the emission rate of the [C 11] 158 micrometer line as a function of position in the Galaxy. We conclude that the neutral gas is heated mainly by the grain photoelectric effect and that a two phase (CNM+WNM) is possible between Galactic radii R = 3 kpc and R = 18 kpc. Listings of meeting presentations and publications are included.

Mundy, Lee↗
NASA NTRS1977

No Organic Compounds on Mars? Understanding the Structure of Spiral Galaxies

A prime goal of the Viking missions to Mars is to search for life on that planet. Each of the two landers incorporate three specific life-detection experiments, and all have operated successfully. However, as any newspaper reader knows, the results are ambiguous, in that some experiments suggest a highly active martian biology while others appear to indicate that the samples are sterile. It would be premature to conclude from the results of the biological experiments that martian life forms have definitely been detected. In addition, the picture is clouded by unexpected results from another Viking experiment, which is designed to detect organic and inorganic chemical compounds in the martian soil. In Science for 1 October 1976, K. Biemann of MIT and ten of his colleagues report the first results from the Viking 1 Gas-Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) experiment.

Morrison, Nancy D.↗
NASA NTRS2000

A Grand Design Spiral Galaxy with an Interacting Companion: N5194 and N5195

Under the grant we studied the X-ray emission from galaxies, clusters, and gravitational lenses as observed by ROSAT. In addition to several invited and contributed talks presented at conferences, the following papers (listed with their abstracts) that are published in refereed journals were completed as part of this activity.

Jones, Christine↗
NASA NTRS2002

Chandra X-ray Observations of the Spiral Galaxy M81

A Chandra X-Ray Observatory ACIS-S (Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (Chandra) CCD (Charge Coupled Device) Imaging Spectrometer) imaging observation is used to study the population of X-ray sources in the nearby Sab galaxy M81 (NGC 3031). A total of 177 sources are detected with 124 located within the D25 isophote to a limiting X-ray luminosity of 3e36 ergs/cm(exp 2)/s. Source positions, count rates, luminosities in the 0.3-8.0 keV band, limiting optical magnitudes, and potential counterpart identifications are tabulated. Spectral and timing analysis of the 36 brightest sources are reported including the low luminosity active galactic nucleus, SN 1993J, and the Einstein discovered ultraluminous X-ray source X6.

Swartz, Douglas A.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Chandra X-Ray Observations of the Spiral Galaxy M81

A Chandra X-Ray Observatory ACIS-S imaging observation is used to study the population of X-ray sources in the nearby Sab galaxy M81 (NGC 3031). A total of 177 sources are detected with 124 located within the D(sub 25) isophote to a limiting X-ray luminosity of approx. 3 x 10(exp 36) ergs/s. Source positions, count rates, luminosities in the 0.3-8.0 keV band, limiting optical magnitudes, and potential counterpart identifications are tabulated. Spectral and timing analysis of the 36 brightest sources are reported including the low luminosity active galactic nucleus, SN 1993J, and the Einstein-discovered ultraluminous X-ray source X6. The nucleus accounts for approx. 86%, or 5 x 10(exp 40) ergs/s, of the total X-ray emission from M81. Its spectrum is well fitted by an absorbed power law with photon index 1.98 +/- 0.08, consistent with previous observations (average index 1.9). SN 1993J has softened and faded since its discovery. At an age of 2594 days, SN 1993J displayed a complex thermal spectrum from a reverse shock rich in Fe L and highly ionized Mg, Si, and S but lacking O. A hard X-ray component, emitted by a forward shock, is also present. X6 is spatially coincident with a stellar object with optical brightness and colors consistent with an O9-B1 main-sequence star. It is also coincident with a weak radio source with a flux density of approx. 95 microJy at lambda = 3.6 cm. The continuum-dominated X-ray spectrum of X6 is most closely reproduced by a blackbody disk model suggesting the X-ray source is an approx. 18 solar mass object accreting at nearly its Eddington limit.

Swartz, Douglas A.↗