Bibcode
Dale, D. A.; Bolatto, A. D.; Kreckel, K.; Groves, B. A.; Schinnerer, E.; Wilson, C. D.; Rigopoulou, D.; Rosolowsky, E.; Leroy, A. K.; Beirao, P.; Bayet, E.; van der Werf, P.; Croxall, K. V.; Crocker, A. F.; Draine, B. T.; Wolfire, M. G.; Smith; Pellegrini, E. W.; Bradford, M.; Sandstrom, K. M.; Koda, J.; Walter, F.; Murphy, E. J.; Calzetti, D.; Armus, L.; Hopwood, R. H. B.; Vigroux, L.; Knapen, J. H.; Brinks, E.; Kennicutt, R.; Hunt, L.
Bibliographical reference
The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Volume 779, Issue 2, article id. L19, 6 pp. (2013).
Advertised on:
12
2013
Citations
43
Refereed citations
42
Description
We investigate the far infrared (IR) spectrum of NGC 1266, a S0 galaxy
that contains a massive reservoir of highly excited molecular gas. Using
the Herschel Fourier Transform Spectrometer, we detect the
12CO ladder up to J = (13-12), [C I] and [N II] lines, and
also strong water lines more characteristic of UltraLuminous IR Galaxies
(ULIRGs). The 12CO line emission is modeled with a
combination of a low-velocity C-shock and a photodissociation region.
Shocks are required to produce the H2O and most of the high-J
CO emission. Despite having an IR luminosity 30 times less than a
typical ULIRG, the spectral characteristics and physical conditions of
the interstellar medium of NGC 1266 closely resemble those of ULIRGs,
which often harbor strong shocks and large-scale outflows.
Related projects
Spiral Galaxies: Evolution and Consequences
Our small group is well known and respected internationally for our innovative and important work on various aspects of the structure and evolution of nearby spiral galaxies. We primarily use observations at various wavelengths, exploiting synergies that allow us to answer the most pertinent questions relating to what the main properties of
Johan Hendrik
Knapen Koelstra