Bibcode
Trujillo, I.; Martinez-Valpuesta, Inma; Martínez-Delgado, David; Peñarrubia, Jorge; Gabany, R. Jay; Pohlen, Michael
Bibliographical reference
The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 704, Issue 1, pp. 618-628 (2009).
Advertised on:
10
2009
Journal
Citations
24
Refereed citations
22
Description
We have conducted a deep multiwavelength analysis (0.15-160 μm) to
study the outer region of the nearby galaxy M94. We show that the
non-optical data support the idea that the outskirts of this galaxy are
not formed by a closed stellar ring (as traditionally claimed in the
literature) but by a spiral arm structure. In this sense, M94 is a good
example of a Type III (anti-truncated) disk galaxy having a very bright
outer disk. The outer disk of this galaxy contains ~23% of the total
stellar mass budget of the galaxy and contributes ~10% of the new stars
created showing that this region of the galaxy is active. In fact, the
specific star formation rate (SFR) of the outer disk (~0.012
Gyr-1) is a factor of ~2 larger (i.e., the star formation is
more efficient per unit stellar mass) than in the inner disk. We have
explored different scenarios to explain the enhanced star formation in
the outer disk. We find that the inner disk (if considered as an oval
distortion) can dynamically create a spiral arm structure in the outer
disk which triggers the observed relatively high SFR as well as an inner
ring similar to what is found in this galaxy.
Related projects
Traces of Galaxy Formation: Stellar populations, Dynamics and Morphology
We are a large, diverse, and very active research group aiming to provide a comprehensive picture for the formation of galaxies in the Universe. Rooted in detailed stellar population analysis, we are constantly exploring and developing new tools and ideas to understand how galaxies came to be what we now observe.
Ignacio
Martín Navarro
Spiral Galaxies: Evolution and Consequences
Our small group is well known and respected internationally for our innovative and important work on various aspects of the structure and evolution of nearby spiral galaxies. We primarily use observations at various wavelengths, exploiting synergies that allow us to answer the most pertinent questions relating to what the main properties of
Johan Hendrik
Knapen Koelstra