Evidence for large-scale winds from starburst galaxies. I. The nature of the ionized gas in M82 and NGC 253

Journal Article · Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1987 · Astron. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/114309· OSTI ID:6398740

Mccarthy, P J; Van breugel, W; Heckman, T

The results of long-slit spectroscopy and narrow-band imaging of M82 and NGC 253, the two nearest examples of FIR luminous galaxies believed to be undergoing intense bursts of star formation, are presented. The profile of the gas pressure in the emission-line filaments in M82 is derived and found to be in good agreement with the model of Chevalier and Clegg (1985) of a supernovae-driven wind from a starburst nucleus. Lower quality data from NGC 253 support the same interpretation. Analysis of the emission-line ratios suggests that the line-emitting gas may be heated by low-velocity shocks, although photoionization from dilute UV radiation from unusually hot stars in the central starburst may also be important. 56 references.

• Research Organization: California Univ., Berkeley; Maryland Univ., College Park
• OSTI ID: 6398740
• Journal Information: Astron. J.; (United States), Vol. 93
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
GALAXIES
IONIZED GASES
STAR EVOLUTION
EMISSION SPECTRA
FAR INFRARED RADIATION
GALACTIC EVOLUTION
INFRARED SPECTRA
SHOCK WAVES
SPECTROSCOPY
STELLAR WINDS
VISIBLE SPECTRA
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FLUIDS
GASES
INFRARED RADIATION
RADIATIONS
SPECTRA
STELLAR ACTIVITY
640105* - Astrophysics & Cosmology- Galaxies