Thermal infrared and nonthermal radio: Remarkable correlation in disks of galaxies

Journal Article · Fri Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/184556· OSTI ID:5010048

Helou, G; Soifer, B T; Rowan-Robinson, M

A tight, linear correlation is established between the far-infrared flux measured by IRAS and the nonthermal radio flux density (at 1.4 GHz) from disks of spiral galaxies. This correlation defines a ratio of infrared to radio fluxes that is characteristic of star formation activity. Galaxies with nuclear starbursts seem to follow the correlation. If the far-infrared is reradiated luminosity from young massive stars, then the supernova remnants alone account for less than 10% of the radio emission. Our results indicate a close coupling between dust heating and cosmic-ray generation and confinement in a wide range of conditions.

• Research Organization: IPAC, California Institute of Technology
• OSTI ID: 5010048
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States) Vol. 298:2; ISSN AJLEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CORRELATIONS
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FAR INFRARED RADIATION
GALAXIES
GALAXY NUCLEI
INFRARED RADIATION
LUMINOSITY
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
STAR EVOLUTION