Velocity-resolved images of molecular hydrogen in the colliding galaxy NGC 6240 - Evidence of a global shock

Journal Article · Fri Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Astronomical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/115455· OSTI ID:6690567

Herbst, T M; Beckwith, S; Tsutsui, K; Graham, J R; Soifer, B T ^[1]

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1. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (USA) Palomar Observatory, Pasadena, CA (USA)

Images of the nuclear region of NGC 6240 taken in the 2.122 micron, v = 1-0 S(1) quadrupole line of molecular hydrogen demonstrate that the line emission is extended and distinct from the two nuclei producing most of the continuum emission. A region about 2 arcsec southwest of the southern nucleus produces almost 20 percent of the total line radiation, yet has no detectable 2 micron continuum. The H2 lines are asymmetric, with very little emission on the short-wavelength side of the line peaks. These results indicate that a global phenomenon, such as the dissipative collision of two disks of molecular material, is taking place. 23 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6690567
• Journal Information: Astronomical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astronomical Journal; (USA) Vol. 99; ISSN 0004-6256; ISSN ANJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BASIC INTERACTIONS
COSMIC GASES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
EMISSION SPECTRA
FAR INFRARED RADIATION
FLUIDS
FLUORESCENCE
GALAXIES
GALAXY NUCLEI
GASES
GRAVITATIONAL INTERACTIONS
HYDROGEN
INFRARED RADIATION
INTERACTIONS
INTERSTELLAR SPACE
LUMINESCENCE
NONMETALS
RADIATIONS
SHOCK WAVES
SPACE
SPECTRA