H-alpha observations of spiral galaxies in Cancer, A1367, and Coma

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · Astron. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/113625· OSTI ID:6532565

Kennicutt, R C; Bothun, G D; Schommer, R A

We have used large aperture H..cap alpha.. photometry of 65 spiral galaxies in the Cancer, Coma, and Abell 1367 clusters to compare the ionized-gas contents and star-formation rates in cluster and field spirals. Overall, we do not observe any significant deficiency of H..cap alpha.. emission in the cluster members. Emission strength correlates strongly with integrated galaxy colors, but only weakly with H I content. All three clusters contain several galaxies with unusually strong H..cap alpha.. emission, including several H I-poor objects in Coma and A1367. Thus, spirals which appear ''anemic'' in their morphology or exhibit weak H..cap alpha.. emission are not necessarily H I poor; conversely, H I poor spirals can show strong H..cap alpha.. emission, indicating relatively high current star-formation rates. Gas depletion time scales for some objects in the core of Coma are significantly shorter than the field, indicating rapid stellar and gaseous evolution.

• Research Organization: Department of Astronomy, University of Minnesota, 116 Church Street, S.E., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
• OSTI ID: 6532565
• Journal Information: Astron. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astron. J.; (United States) Vol. 89:9; ISSN ANJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
640105 -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BALMER LINES
COLOR
FLUIDS
GALAXIES
GALAXY CLUSTERS
GASES
IONIZED GASES
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
ORGANOLEPTIC PROPERTIES
PHOTOMETRY
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
STAR EVOLUTION
STRONGLY IONIZED GASES