1300 mu.m continuum observations of M 82 and NGC 253.
Abstract
We present 1300 micron continuum maps of the central parts in the star burst galaxies M82 and NGC 253 showing the dust distribution with unprecedented spatial resolution. The dust in M82 has an elongated shape with a pronounced maximum; another weaker one is coincident with the 2.2 micron peak. We discuss estimates for the dust temperature and derive a mass Mg of 8.7 10^8^ M_sun_ of interstellar matter within a distance of 500 pc from the center of M 82. Interestingly, this mass of gas equals the mass of stars. A similar analysis for NGC 253. which also exhibits an elongated dust distribution, yields a gas mass of 4.2 10^8^ M_sun_. Compared to M 82. this mass is confined to a much smaller volume indicating a higher gas density and thus an earlier stage of the star burst evolution.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- December 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990A&A...240..232K
- Keywords:
-
- Irregular Galaxies;
- Starburst Galaxies;
- Carbon Monoxide;
- Cosmic Dust;
- Galactic Evolution;
- Interstellar Matter;
- Spatial Resolution;
- Astrophysics