Molecular Gas and Star Formation in Nearby Galaxies

Molecular Gas and Star Formation in Nearby Galaxies
Author: Dyas Utomo
Publisher:
Total Pages: 136
Release: 2017
Genre:
ISBN:

In the local Universe, stars form within molecular clouds. Therefore, the properties of molecular clouds may determine the star formation rate. Conversely, star formation also gives feedback to the clouds where the stars reside. In this dissertation, I present the interplay between the molecular gas and star formation, through three parts below. First, I identify and characterize the properties of molecular clouds in NGC4526, resulting in the first catalog of molecular clouds in an early-type galaxy. As a population, the molecular clouds in NGC4526 are gravitationally bound and have a steeper mass distribution than that in the Milky Way. These molecular clouds are also more luminous, denser, and have a higher velocity dispersion than their counterparts in the Milky Way. These different properties may be due to a more intense interstellar radiation field than in the Galactic disk and a weaker external pressure than in the Galactic center. Second, I combine the mm-wave interferometric data from CARMA and the optical Integral Field Unit data from CALIFA to study the molecular depletion time on kilo-parsec scales of nearby galaxies. In particular, the molecular depletion time between the galactic centers and disks is compared. I find that some galactic centers have shorter depletion time than that in the disks, which means that those centers form stars more efficiently per unit molecular gas mass. This places the galactic centers as an intermediate regime between galactic disks and starburst galaxies. The central drop of depletion time is also correlated with a central increase in the stellar mass surface density, suggesting that a shorter depletion time is associated with the molecular gas compression by the stellar gravitational potential. Third, the feedback from star formation to maintain turbulence in the interstellar matter of M33 is investigated. I show that supernovae have enough energy to maintain atomic gas turbulence inside 4 kpc radius and within molecular clouds, assuming a constant value of turbulent dissipation time of 9.8 Myrs. In the outer parts, the energy from the differential rotation of galaxy is large enough to maintain atomic gas turbulence through the magneto-rotational instability (MRI). I conclude that the sum of supernovae and MRI energy maintains turbulence at all radii where atomic hydrogen is detected in M33.

The Physics of Star Formation and Early Stellar Evolution

The Physics of Star Formation and Early Stellar Evolution
Author: Charles J. Lada
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 779
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9401136424

The origin of stars is one of the principle mysteries of nature. During the last two decades advances in technology have enabled more progress to be made in the quest to understand stellar origins than at any other time in history. The study of star formation has developed into one of the most important branches of mod ern astrophysical research. A large body of observational data and a considerable literat ure now exist concerning this topic and a 1arge community of international astronomers and physicists devote their efforts attempting to decipher the secrets of stellar birth. Yet, the young astronomerjphysicist or more advanced researcher desiring to obtain a basic background in this area of research must sift through a very diverse and sometimes bewildering literature. A literature which includes research in many discip1ines and sub discip1ines of classical astrophysics from stel lar structure to the interstellar medium and encompasses the entire range of the electromagnetic spectrum from radio to gamma rays. Often, the reward of a suc cessfu1 foray through the current literature is the realization that the results can be obsolete and outdated as soon as the ink is dry in the journal or the conference proceeding in which they are published.

The Formation of Stars

The Formation of Stars
Author: Steven W. Stahler
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 865
Release: 2008-07-11
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3527618686

This book is a comprehensive treatment of star formation, one of the most active fields of modern astronomy. The reader is guided through the subject in a logically compelling manner. Starting from a general description of stars and interstellar clouds, the authors delineate the earliest phases of stellar evolution. They discuss formation activity not only in the Milky Way, but also in other galaxies, both now and in the remote past. Theory and observation are thoroughly integrated, with the aid of numerous figures and images. In summary, this volume is an invaluable resource, both as a text for physics and astronomy graduate students, and as a reference for professional scientists.

Galaxies: Interactions and Induced Star Formation

Galaxies: Interactions and Induced Star Formation
Author: Robert C. Kennicutt Jr.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 417
Release: 2006-04-18
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3540316302

This volume contains the written versions of the lectures given at the 26th course of the renowned Saas-Fee series. The book represents a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the field of galaxy interaction. Nowadays, galaxies are no longer seen as immutable objects: they evolve, interact, merge, blaze, and reshape. Dynamic forces can induce powerful stellar activity able to transform the matter composition and morphology of galaxies. The lectures included in this book aim at a better understanding of these remarkable and fascinating phenomena. Though the book is intended for graduate students and young post-docs in astrophysics, it contains more advanced and original material, as well as historical perspectives, which will be of great interest to experts and astronomy teachers also.

Molecular Gas, Dust, and Star Formation in Galaxies (IAU S292)

Molecular Gas, Dust, and Star Formation in Galaxies (IAU S292)
Author: Tony Wong
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2013-04-11
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9781107033818

Our knowledge of the molecular gas content in galaxies has advanced rapidly in the past decade with systematic surveys from ground-based radio facilities, coupled with advances in observations and modeling of the thermal dust emission associated with the gas. This Symposium Proceedings provides a timely overview of the latest observations of molecular gas and dust in the Milky Way and in other galaxies. It also covers related topics including the initial conditions for star formation, observational tracers of star formation and interstellar conditions, and simulations of the turbulent, multiphase interstellar medium. Featuring ten review articles by leaders in the field, and including early results and prospects for the ALMA observatory, this volume will prove especially useful for graduate students or scientists who are pursuing or planning research in this area.

Star Formation in Galaxy Evolution: Connecting Numerical Models to Reality

Star Formation in Galaxy Evolution: Connecting Numerical Models to Reality
Author: Nickolay Y. Gnedin
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 375
Release: 2015-09-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3662478900

This book contains the elaborated and updated versions of the 24 lectures given at the 43rd Saas-Fee Advanced Course. Written by four eminent scientists in the field, the book reviews the physical processes related to star formation, starting from cosmological down to galactic scales. It presents a detailed description of the interstellar medium and its link with the star formation. And it describes the main numerical computational techniques designed to solve the equations governing self-gravitating fluids used for modelling of galactic and extra-galactic systems. This book provides a unique framework which is needed to develop and improve the simulation techniques designed for understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies. Presented in an accessible manner it contains the present day state of knowledge of the field. It serves as an entry point and key reference to students and researchers in astronomy, cosmology, and physics.