Abstract

A possible gaseous component to the stream of debris from the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy is presented. We identify (4-10) × 106 M☉ of neutral hydrogen along the orbit of the Sgr dwarf in the direction of the Galactic anticenter (at 36 kpc, the distance to the stellar debris in this region). This is 1%-2% of the estimated total mass of the Sgr dwarf. Both the stellar and gaseous components have negative velocities, but the gaseous component extends to higher negative velocities. If associated, this gaseous stream was most likely stripped from the main body of the dwarf 0.2-0.3 Gyr ago during its current orbit after a passage through a diffuse edge of the Galactic disk with a density greater than 10-4 cm-3. This gas represents the dwarf's last source of star formation fuel and explains how the galaxy was forming stars 0.5-2 Gyr ago.

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

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.