Molecular clouds in M82

Journal Article · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/162673· OSTI ID:5923348

Young, J S; Scoville, N Z

CO observations of the peculiar galaxy M82 have been made at 79 positions using the 14 m FCRAO telescope (HPBW = 50'') in order to obtain a fully sampled map of the central 2 kpc as well as the radial distribution of molecular gas out to 3 kpc along the major axis. These data comprise the highest resolution kinematic information yet determined for M82 extending over the entire optical disk of the galaxy. The velocity field of the molecular gas exhibits peculiarities, suggesting noncircular velocities of 50 km s/sup -1/ at positions 1'.5 from the center between the major and minor axis. We suggest that the systemic velocity of M82 is close to a value of 175 km s/sup -1/, a conclusion which is supported not only by the CO data, but also by some previous optical and infrared observations. Contrary to recent assertions about anomalous minor axis emission, then, the CO emission seen on the minor axis with velocities near 170 km s/sup -1/ is precisely what one would expect for a rotating disk.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
• OSTI ID: 5923348
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 287:1; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON MONOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
COSMIC GASES
DYNAMICS
EMISSION
EMISSION SPECTRA
FLUIDS
GALAXIES
GASES
INTERSTELLAR GRAINS
MAPS
MASS
MECHANICS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PARTICLES
RADIAL VELOCITY
SPECTRA
VELOCITY