The origin of the far-infrared luminosity from spiral galaxies

Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/185659· OSTI ID:6966145

Devereux, N A; Young, J S ^[1]

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1. Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory, Amherst, MA (USA)

The relationship between the far-infrared and H-alpha luminosity has been investigated for a sample of 124 spiral galaxies. After correcting the H-alpha luminosities for an average 1 mag of extinction and extrapolating the IRAS 40-120 micron luminosity to 1000 microns, it is found that the mean ratio of H-alpha to far-infrared luminosity is comparable to that expected from H II regions powered by stars with masses larger than 6 solar masses. This result constitutes strong evidence in support of the view that high-mass O and B stars are responsible for both the H-alpha and far-infrared emission in spiral galaxies of high, billion solar luminosities or greater, far-infrared luminosity. 41 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6966145
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 350; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BALMER LINES
CONFIGURATION
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FAR INFRARED RADIATION
GALAXIES
H2 REGIONS
INFRARED RADIATION
INTERSTELLAR SPACE
LUMINOSITY
MASS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
SPACE
SPIRAL CONFIGURATION