Abstract
Our new VLA observations of M82 reveals a triangular central concentration of neutral atomic gas (1.9×10 8 M ○. ) and several ≥10 kpc long tidal streamers originating from M82 itself. The coincidence of the beginning of the tidal streamer with the flaring of the optical disk as well as the smooth continuation of the disk velocity field into the H I streamer strongly suggest the tidal disruption of the disk of M82, contrary to the widely proposed scenario of tidal stripping and gas accretion from its neighbor M81. The velocity characteristics of H I within M82 are that of disk rotation as seen in CO. The gas kinematics appear complex because of large velocity dispersions that may be due to a tidally induced bar potential and the interaction between the disk gas and the nuclear wind
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
