The Kinematics of the Ionized and Molecular Hydrogen in the Starburst Galaxy NGC 253

Prada, F.; Manchado, A.; Canzian, Blaise; Peletier, R. F.; McKeith, C. D.; Beckman, J. E.
Referencia bibliográfica

Astrophysical Journal v.458, p.537

Fecha de publicación:
2
1996
Número de autores
6
Número de autores del IAC
2
Número de citas
17
Número de citas referidas
17
Descripción
Near-infrared H2 1-0 5(1) and Brγ velocity curves along the major axis of NGC 253 have revealed a central velocity gradient that is 7 times steeper than that shown by the optical velocity curve. This is interpreted as an optical depth effect due to dust. Approximately 35 mag of visual extinction in the center is required to match the southwest side of the optical velocity curve. The spatial variation of the ratio of these lines to the 12CO (J = 1 → 0) line is compared among starburst galaxies NGC 253, M82, and NGC 4945 to investigate the excitation mechanism responsible for the H2 1-0 S(1) line.