Circumnuclear ring of the starburst galaxy NGC 253. An Infrared view

Pérez GarcÍa, A. M.; Melo, V. P.; Acosta-Pulido, J.; Muñoz-Tuñón, C.; RodrÍguez-Espinosa, J. M.
Bibliographical reference

Astrophysics and Space Science Supplement, v. 277, p. 347-347 (2001).

Advertised on:
2001
Number of authors
5
IAC number of authors
5
Citations
1
Refereed citations
1
Description
NGC 253 is a nearby spiral galaxy with an active starburst nucleus. Its proximity allows observation with good spatial resolution with state of the art mid and far IR facilities. Here we present preliminary results obtained from the ISO archive in 5 to 16 microns (ISOCAM-CVF) and 120 to 180 μm (ISOPHOT) ranges. The mid IR spectrum exhibits typical broad PAH features as well as weak atomic emission, which is not seen in the continuum nor in the [ArII] emission line. For the first time we present a far IR map (180 μm) as well as several profiles across the minor axis of the galaxy, showing a variation of the dust temperature. We detect an extension of the cold dust (20K) emission not seen previously in IRAS maps, which may contribute to a large fraction of the galaxy total mass.