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Optical depth of molecular gas in starburst galaxies - Is M82 the prototype?An attempt is made to survey the CO(2-1) emission toward the centers of 17 IR-luminous galaxies which have previously been detected in CO(1-0). These galaxies span a wide range of size and L(FIR)/L(B) ratio, many have multiple-wavelength studies establishing them as starbursts, and some bear a morphological resemblance to M 82. Nine galaxies are detected and useful upper limits are placed on the remaining eight. Using the CO(2-1)/CO(1-0) ratio of antenna temperature as a diagnostic of optical depth, it is found that all of the galaxies contain predominantly optically thick molecular gas. This implies that the phase of starburst during which the molecular gas is optically thin, currently witnessed in M 82, is either uncommon or short-lived.
Document ID
19900062454
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Verter, F.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Rickard, L. J.
(U.S. Navy, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington DC, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Volume: 225
Issue: 1, No
ISSN: 0004-6361
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
90A49509
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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