Infrared emission and star formation in early-type galaxies

Journal Article · Sat Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/184955· OSTI ID:5830805

Thronson, Jr, H A; Bally, J

Infrared emission from elliptical and S0 galaxies was studied to determine the extent of low-mass star formation in such early-type galaxies. It is found that the infrared colors of about one-third of the sample are consistent with ongoing star formation, although a contribution to the emission from an active nucleus might play an important role in some objects. Apparently star formation has not ceased in some elliptical and S0 galaxies and may be fueled by mass loss from evolved stars or out of the rubble of galaxian mergers. Of four plausible candidate star-forming ellipticals, three show evidence for accretion and/or merger. It is also concluded that IRAS two-color diagrams are often ambiguous in determining whether or not emission arising from star formation dominates far-infrared luminosity. 40 references.

• Research Organization: Wyoming Infrared Observatory, Laramie; ATandT Bell Labs., Holmdel, NJ
• OSTI ID: 5830805
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 319; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CONFIGURATION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELLIPTICAL CONFIGURATION
FAR INFRARED RADIATION
GALAXIES
INFRARED RADIATION
INFRARED SPECTRA
INTERSTELLAR SPACE
LUMINOSITY
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
SPACE
SPECTRA
STAR EVOLUTION