Abstract
The nuclei of the interacting pair NGC 4038/4039 have been observed in the 2.123-micron v = 1 to 0 S(1) line of excited molecular hydrogen. The observed S(1)-line luminosity/FIR luminosity ratios for NGC 4038 and NGC 4039 are found to be too high to be compatible with a model in which the H2 is excited by radiatively driven gas motions in the star-forming regions. Alternative excitation mechanisms considered include supernova explosions and collisions between the molecular clouds of the two galaxies. 49 refs.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.