The rate and efficiency of high-mass star formation along the Hubble sequence

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · Astrophysical Journal; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/169915· OSTI ID:5666611

Devereux, N A; Young, J S ^[1]

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1. Massachusetts, University (USA) Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory, Amherst (USA)

Data obtained with IRAS are used to compare and contrast the global star formation rates for a galactic sample which represents essentially all known noninteracting spiral and lenticular galaxies within 40 Mpc. The distribution of 60 micron luminosity is similar for spirals of types Sa-Scd inclusively, although the luminosities of the very early and very late types are, on average, one order of magnitude lower. High-mass star formation rates are similar for early, intermediate, and late type spirals, and the average high-mass star formation rate per unit molecular gas mass is independent of type for spiral galaxies. A remarkable homogeneity exists in the high-mass star-forming capabilities of spiral galaxies, particularly among the Sa-Scd types. The Hubble sequence is therefore not a sequence in the present-day rate or production efficiency of high-mass stars. 76 refs.

• OSTI ID: 5666611
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (United States) Vol. 371; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CONFIGURATION
COSMIC GASES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FAR INFRARED RADIATION
FLUIDS
GALACTIC EVOLUTION
GALAXIES
GASES
INFRARED RADIATION
INTERSTELLAR SPACE
LUMINOSITY
MASS
MORPHOLOGY
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
SPACE
SPIRAL CONFIGURATION
STAR EVOLUTION