Virgo Cluster Spiral Galaxies Research Articles

VERTICO

Aims. In this Virgo Environment Traced in CO (VERTICO) science paper, we aim to study how the star formation process depends on the galactic environment and gravitational interactions in the context of galaxy evolution. We explore the scaling relation between the star formation rate surface density (ΣSFR) and the molecular gas surface density (Σmol), also known as the Kennicutt-Schmidt relation, in a subsample of Virgo cluster spiral galaxies. Methods. We used new Atacama Compact Array and Total Power (ACA+TP) observations from the VERTICO-Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) Large Program at 720 pc resolution to resolve the molecular gas content, as traced by the 12CO (2 − 1) transition, across the disks of 37 spiral galaxies in the Virgo cluster. In combination with archival UV and IR observations used to determine the star formation rate (SFR), we estimated the parameters of the Kennicutt-Schmidt (KS) relation for the entire ensemble of galaxies, and within individual galaxies. Results. We find the KS slope for the entire population to be N = 0.97 ± 0.07, with a characteristic molecular gas depletion time of 1.86 Gyr for our full sample, which is in agreement with previous work in isolated, nearby star-forming galaxies. In individual galaxies, we find that the KS slope ranges between 0.69 and 1.40, and that typical star formation efficiencies of molecular gas can vary from galaxy to galaxy by a factor of ∼4. These galaxy-to-galaxy variations account for ∼0.20 dex in scatter in the ensemble KS relation, which is characterized by a 0.42 dex scatter. In addition, we find that the HI-deficient galaxies in the Virgo cluster show a steeper resolved KS relation and lower molecular gas efficiencies than HI-normal cluster galaxies. Conclusions. While the molecular gas content in galaxies residing in the Virgo cluster appears – to first order – to behave similarly to that in isolated galaxies, our VERTICO sample of galaxies shows that cluster environments play a key role in regulating star formation. The environmental mechanisms affecting the HI galaxy content also have a direct impact on the star formation efficiency of molecular gas in cluster galaxies, leading to longer depletion times in HI-deficient members.

Deciphering the radio star formation correlation on kpc scales

One of the tightest correlations in astronomy is the relation between the integrated radio continuum and the far-infrared (FIR) emission. Within nearby galaxies, variations in the radio–FIR correlation have been observed, mainly because the cosmic ray electrons migrate before they lose their energy via synchrotron emission or escape. The major cosmic-ray electron transport mechanisms within the plane of galactic disks are diffusion, and streaming. A predicted radio continuum map can be obtained by convolving the map of cosmic-ray electron sources, represented by that of the star formation, with adaptive Gaussian and exponential kernels. The ratio between the smoothing lengthscales at 6 cm and 20 cm can be used to determine, between diffusion and streaming, which is the dominant transport mechanism. The dependence of the smoothing lengthscale on the star formation rate bears information on the dependence of the magnetic field strength, or the ratio between the ordered and turbulent magnetic field strengths on star formation. Star formation maps of eight rather face-on local and Virgo cluster spiral galaxies were constructed fromSpitzerandHerschelinfrared and GALEX UV observations. These maps were convolved with adaptive Gaussian and exponential smoothing kernels to obtain model radio continuum emission maps. It was found that in asymmetric ridges of polarized radio continuum emission, the total power emission is enhanced with respect to the star formation rate. At a characteristic star formation rate of $ \dot{\Sigma}_*=8 \times 10^{-3}\,M_{\odot} $ yr−1kpc−2, the typical lengthscale for the transport of cosmic-ray electrons isl = 0.9 ± 0.3 kpc at 6 cm, andl = 1.8 ± 0.5 kpc at 20 cm. Perturbed spiral galaxies tend to have smaller lengthscales. This is a natural consequence of the enhancement of the magnetic field caused by the interaction. The discrimination between the two cosmic-ray electron transport mechanisms, diffusion, and streaming is based on (i) the convolution kernel (Gaussian or exponential); (ii) the dependence of the smoothing kernel on the local magnetic field, and thus on the local star formation rate; (iii) the ratio between the two smoothing lengthscales via the frequency dependence of the smoothing kernel, and (iv) the dependence of the smoothing kernel on the ratio between the ordered and the turbulent magnetic field. Based on our empirical results, methods (i) and (ii) cannot be used to determine the cosmic ray transport mechanism. Important asymmetric large-scale residuals and a local dependence of the smoothing length onBord/Bturbare most probably responsible for the failure of methods (i) and (ii), respectively. On the other hand, the classifications based onl6 cm/l20 cm(method iii) andBord/Bturb(method iv), are well consistent and complementary. We argue that in the six Virgo spiral galaxies, the turbulent magnetic field is globally enhanced in the disk. Therefore, the regions where the magnetic field is independent of the star formation rate are more common. In addition,Bord/Bturbdecreases, leading to a diffusion lengthscale that is smaller than the streaming lengthscale. Therefore, cosmic ray electron streaming dominates in most of the Virgo spiral galaxies.

CHANG-ES V: NUCLEAR OUTFLOW IN A VIRGO CLUSTER SPIRAL AFTER A TIDAL DISRUPTION EVENT

We have observed the Virgo Cluster spiral galaxy, NGC~4845, at 1.6 and 6 GHz using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, as part of the `Continuum Halos in Nearby Galaxies -- an EVLA Survey' (CHANG-ES). The source consists of a bright unresolved core with a surrounding weak central disk (1.8 kpc diameter). The core is variable over the 6 month time scale of the CHANG-ES data and has increased by a factor of $\approx$ 6 since 1995. The wide bandwidths of CHANG-ES have allowed us to determine the spectral evolution of this core which peaks {\it between} 1.6 and 6 GHz (it is a GigaHertz-peaked spectrum source).We show that the spectral turnover is dominated by synchrotron self-absorption and that the spectral evolution can be explained by adiabatic expansion (outflow), likely in the form of a jet or cone. The CHANG-ES observations serendipitously overlap in time with the hard X-ray light curve obtained by Nikolajuk \& Walter (2013) which they interpret as due to a tidal disruption event (TDE) of a super-Jupiter mass object around a $10^5\, M_\odot$ black hole. We outline a standard jet model, provide an explanation for the observed circular polarization, and quantitatively suggest a link between the peak radio and peak X-ray emission via inverse Compton upscattering of the photons emitted by the relativistic electrons. We predict that it should be possible to resolve a young radio jet via VLBI as a result of this nearby TDE.

The magnetic fields of large Virgo cluster spirals. II

The Virgo cluster of galaxies provides excellent conditions for studying interactions of galaxies with the cluster environment. Both the high-velocity tidal interactions and effects of ram pressure stripping by the intracluster gas can be investigated in detail. We extend our systematic search for possible anomalies in the magnetic field structures of Virgo cluster spirals in order to characterize a variety of effects and attribute them to different disturbing agents. Six angularly large Virgo cluster spiral galaxies (NGC4192, NGC4302, NGC4303, NGC4321, NGC4388, and NGC4535) were targets of a sensitive total power and polarization study using the 100-m radio telescope in Effelsberg at 4.85GHz and 8.35GHz (except for NGC4388 observed only at 4.85GHz, and NGC4535 observed only at 8.35GHz). Magnetic field structures distorted to various extent are found in all galaxies. Three galaxies (NGC4302, NGC4303, and NGC4321) show some signs of possible tidal interactions, while NGC4388 and NGC4535 have very likely experienced strong ram-pressure and shearing effects, respectively, visible as distortions and asymmetries of polarized intensity distributions. As in our previous study, even strongly perturbed galaxies closely follow the radio-far-infrared correlation. In NGC4303 and NGC4321, we observe symmetric spiral patterns of the magnetic field and in NGC4535 an asymmetric pattern. Magnetic fields allow us to trace even weak interactions that are difficult to detect with other observations. Our results show that the degree of distortions of a galaxy is not a simple function of the distance to the cluster center but reflects also the history of its interactions. The angle between the velocity vector and the rotation vector of a galaxy may be a general parameter that describes the level of distortions of galactic magnetic fields.

Tidal interaction vs. ram pressure stripping effects as seen in X-rays

The hot intracluster/intragroup medium (ICM/IGM) and a high galaxy density can lead to perturbations of the galactic interstellar medium (ISM) due to ram pressure and/or tidal interaction effects. In radio polarimetry observations, both phenomena may manifest similar features. X-ray data can help to determine the real origin of the perturbation. We analyse the distribution and physical properties of the hot gas in the Virgo cluster spiral galaxies NGC 4254 and NGC 4569, which indicate that the cluster environment has had a significant influence on their properties. By performing both spatial and spectral analyses of X-ray data, we try to distinguish between two major phenomena: tidal and ram pressure interactions. We compare our findings with the case of NGC 2276, in which a shock was reported, by analysing XMM-Newton X-ray data for this galaxy. We use archival XMM-Newton observations of NGC 4254, NGC 4569, and NGC 2276. Maps of the soft diffuse emission in the energy band 0.2 - 1 keV are obtained. For the three galaxies, especially at the position of magnetic field enhancements we perform a spectral analysis to derive gas temperatures and thus to look for shock signatures. A shock is a signature of ram pressure resulting from supersonic velocities; weak tidal interactions are not expected to influence the temperature of the ionized gas. In NGC 4254, we do not observe any temperature increase. This suggests tidal interactions rather than ram pressure stripping. In NGC 4569 the radio polarized ridge shows a higher temperature, which may indicate ram-pressure effects. For NGC 2276, we do not find clear indications of a shock. The main driver of the observed distortions is most likely tidal interaction. Determining gas temperatures via sensitive X-ray observations seems to be a good method for distinguishing between ram pressure and tidal interaction effects acting upon a galaxy.

Hot gas in Mach cones around Virgo cluster spiral galaxies

Context. The detailed comparison between observations and simulations of ram-pressure stripped spiral galaxies in the Virgo cluster has led to a 3D view of the galaxy orbits within the hot intracluster medium. The 3D velocities and Mach numbers derived from simulations can be used to derive simple Mach cone geometries for Virgo spiral galaxies.

Detecting the orientation of magnetic fields in galaxy clusters

Clusters of galaxies, filled with hot magnetized plasma, are the largest bound objects in existence and an important touchstone in understanding the formation of structures in our Universe. In such clusters, thermal conduction follows field lines, so magnetic fields strongly shape the cluster's thermal history; that some have not since cooled and collapsed is a mystery. In a seemingly unrelated puzzle, recent observations of Virgo cluster spiral galaxies imply ridges of strong, coherent magnetic fields offset from their centre. Here we demonstrate, using three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamical simulations, that such ridges are easily explained by galaxies sweeping up field lines as they orbit inside the cluster. This magnetic drape is then lit up with cosmic rays from the galaxies' stars, generating coherent polarized emission at the galaxies' leading edges. This immediately presents a technique for probing local orientations and characteristic length scales of cluster magnetic fields. The first application of this technique, mapping the field of the Virgo cluster, gives a startling result: outside a central region, the magnetic field is preferentially oriented radially as predicted by the magnetothermal instability. Our results strongly suggest a mechanism for maintaining some clusters in a 'non-cooling-core' state.

Pinning down the ram-pressure-induced halt of star formation in the Virgo cluster spiral galaxy NGC 4388

In a galaxy cluster, the evolution of spiral galaxies depends on their cluster environment. Ram pressure due to the rapid motion of a spiral galaxy within the hot intracluster medium removes the galaxy's interstellar medium from the outer disk. Once the gas has left the disk, star formation stops. The passive evolution of the stellar populations should be detectable in optical spectroscopy and multi-wavelength photometry. The goal of our study is to recover the stripping age of the Virgo spiral galaxy NGC 4388, i.e. the time elapsed since the halt of star formation in the outer galactic disk using a combined analysis of optical spectra and photometry. We performed VLT FORS2 long-slit spectroscopy of the inner star-forming and outer gas-free disk of NGC 4388. We developed a non-parametric inversion tool that allows us to reconstruct the star formation history of a galaxy from spectroscopy and photometry. The tool was tested on a series of mock data using Monte Carlo simulations. The results from the non-parametric inversion were refined by applying a parametric inversion method. The star formation history of the unperturbed galactic disk is flat. The non-parametric method yields a rapid decline of star formation < 200 Myr ago in the outer disk. The parametric method is not able to distinguish between an instantaneous and a long-lasting star formation truncation. The time since the star formation has dropped by a factor of two from its pre-stripping value is 190 +- 30 Myr. We are able to give a precise stripping age that is consistent with revised dynamical models.

12 CO( J = 1 – 0) ON-THE-FLY MAPPING SURVEY OF THE VIRGO CLUSTER SPIRALS. I. DATA AND ATLAS

We have performed an On-The-Fly (OTF) mapping survey of ${\rm ^{12}{CO(J=1-0)}}$ emission in 28 Virgo cluster spiral galaxies using the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory (FCRAO) 14-m telescope. This survey aims to characterize the CO distribution, kinematics, and luminosity of a large sample of galaxies covering the full extents of stellar disks, rather than sampling only the inner disks or the major axis as was done by many previous single dish and interferometric CO surveys. CO emission is detected in 20 galaxies among the 28 Virgo spirals observed. An atlas consisting of global measures, radial measures, and maps, is presented for each detected galaxy. A note summarizing the CO data is also presented along with relevant information from the literature. The CO properties derived from our OTF observations are presented and compared with the results from the FCRAO Extragalactic CO Survey by Young et al. (1995) which utilized position-switching observations along the major axis and a model fitting method. We find that our OTF derived CO properties agree well with the Young et al. results in many cases, but the Young et al. measurements are larger by a factor of 1.4 - 2.4 for seven (out of 18) cases. We will explore further the possible causes for the discrepancy in the analysis paper currently under preparation.

A holistic view on ram pressure stripping in the Virgo cluster

Based on a comparison of dynamical models with observations of the interstellar gas in 6 Virgo cluster spiral galaxies, a first complete ram pressure stripping time sequence has been established. The observational characteristics of the different stages of ram pressure stripping are presented. The dynamical models yield the 3D velocity vectors of the galaxies, peak ram pressures, and times to peak ram pressure. In the case of a smooth, static, and spherical intracluster medium, peak ram pressure occurs during the galaxy's closest approach to the cluster center, i.e. when the galaxy's velocity vector is perpendicular to its distance vector from the cluster center (M 87). Assuming this condition, the galaxy's present line-of-sight distance and its 3D position during peak ram pressure can be calculated. The linear orbital segments derived in this way, together with the intracluster medium density distribution derived from X-ray observations, give estimates of the ram pressure that are on average a factor of 2 higher than derived from the dynamical simulations for NGC 4501, NGC 4330, and NGC 4569. Resolving this discrepancy would require either a 2 times higher intracluster medium density than derived from X-ray observations, or a 2 times higher stripping efficiency than assumed by the dynamical models. Compared to NGC 4501, NGC 4330, and NGC 4569, NGC 4388 requires a still 2 times higher local intracluster medium density or a direction which is moderately different from that derived from the dynamical model. A possible scenario is presented for the dynamical evolution of NGC 4438 and M 86 within the Virgo cluster.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS IN CLUSTERS: MODIFIED FAR-INFRARED-RADIO RELATIONS WITHIN VIRGO CLUSTER GALAXIES

(abridged) We present a study on the effects of the intracluster medium (ICM) on the interstellar medium (ISM) of 10 Virgo cluster spiral galaxies using {\it Spitzer} far-infrared (FIR) and VLA radio continuum imaging. Relying on the FIR-radio correlation within normal galaxies, we use our infrared data to create model radio maps which we compare to the observed radio images. For 6 of our sample galaxies we find regions along their outer edges that are highly deficient in the radio compared with our models. We believe these observations are the signatures of ICM ram pressure. For NGC 4522 we find the radio deficit region to lie just exterior to a region of high radio polarization and flat radio spectral index, although the total 20 cm radio continuum in this region does not appear strongly enhanced. These characteristics seem consistent for other galaxies with radio polarization data in the literature. The strength of the radio deficit is inversely correlated with the time since peak pressure as inferred from stellar population studies and gas stripping simulations, suggesting the strength of the radio deficit is good indicator of the strength of the current ram pressure. We also find that galaxies having {\it local} radio {\it deficits} appear to have {\it enhanced global} radio fluxes. Our preferred physical picture is that the observed radio deficit regions arise from the ICM wind sweeping away cosmic-ray (CR) electrons and the associated magnetic field, thereby creating synchrotron tails as observed for some of our galaxies. We propose that CR particles are also re-accelerated by ICM-driven shocklets behind the observed radio deficit regions which in turn enhances the remaining radio disk brightness.

Ram pressure stripping of the multiphase ISM in the Virgo cluster spiral galaxy NGC 4438

Ram pressure stripping of the multiphase ISM is studied in the perturbed Virgo cluster spiral galaxy NGC 4438. This galaxy underwent a tidal interaction <i>∼<i/>100 Myr ago and is now strongly affected by ram pressure stripping. Deep VLA radio continuum observations at 6 and 20 cm are presented. We detect prominent extraplanar emission to the west of the galactic center, which extends twice as far as the other tracers of extraplanar material. The spectral index of the extraplanar emission does not steepen with increasing distance from the galaxy. This implies in situ re-acceleration of relativistic electrons. The comparison with multiwavelength observations shows that the magnetic field and the warm ionized interstellar medium traced by H<i>α<i/> emission are closely linked. The kinematics of the northern extraplanar H<i>α<i/> emission, which is ascribed to star formation, follow those of the extraplanar CO emission. In the western and southern extraplanar regions, the H<i>α<i/> measured velocities are greater than those of the CO lines. We suggest that the ionized gas of this region is excited by ram pressure. The spatial and velocity offsets are consistent with a scenario where the diffuse ionized gas is more efficiently pushed by ram pressure stripping than the neutral gas. We suggest that the recently found radio-deficient regions compared to 24 <i>μ<i/>m emission are due to this difference in stripping efficiency.

THE STELLAR POPULATIONS OF STRIPPED SPIRAL GALAXIES IN THE VIRGO CLUSTER

We present an analysis of the stellar populations of the gas-stripped outer disks of ten Virgo cluster spiral galaxies, utilizing SparsePak integral field spectroscopy on the WIYN 3.5 m telescope and Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) UV photometry. The galaxies in our sample show evidence for being gas-stripped spiral galaxies, with star formation within a truncation radius and a passive population beyond the truncation radius. We find that all of the galaxies with spatially truncated star formation have outer-disk stellar populations consistent with star formation ending within the last 500 Myr. The synthesis of optical spectroscopy and GALEX observations demonstrate that star formation was relatively constant until the quenching time, after which the galaxies passively evolved. Large starbursts at the time of quenching are excluded for all galaxies, but there is evidence of a modest starburst in at least one galaxy. For approximately half of our galaxies, the timescales derived from our observations are consistent with galaxies being stripped in or near the cluster core, where simple ram-pressure estimates can explain the observed stripping. However, the other half of our sample galaxies were clearly stripped outside the cluster core. Such galaxies provide evidence that the intra-cluster medium is not static and smooth. For three of the most recently stripped galaxies, there are estimates for the stripping timescales from detailed gas-stripping simulations. For all three of these galaxies, our stripping timescales agree with those from the gas-stripping simulations, suggesting that star formation is quenched near the time of peak pressure. While the stripping of star-forming gas in the outer disk creates a passive population in our sample of galaxies, there is still normal star formation in the center of these galaxies. It may be that Virgo is not massive enough to completely strip these spiral galaxies and, in a more dynamically active cluster or a cluster with a higher density intracluster medium, such a process would lead to passive spirals and/or S0s.

Pre-peak ram pressure stripping in the Virgo cluster spiral galaxy NGC 4501

VIVA Hi observations of the Virgo spiral galaxy NGC 4501 are presented. The Hi disk is sharply truncated to the southwest, well within the stellar disk. A region of low surface-density gas, which is more extended than the main Hi disk, is discovered northeast of the galaxy center. These data are compared to existing 6 cm polarized radio continuum emission, Hα, and optical broad band images. We observe a coincidence between the western Hi and polarized emission edges, on the one hand, and a faint Hα emission ridge, on the other. The polarized emission maxima are located within the gaps between the spiral arms and the faint Hα ridge. Based on the comparison of these observations with a sample of dynamical simulations with different values for maximum ram pressure and different inclination angles between the disk and the orbital plane, we conclude that ram pressure stripping can account for the main observed characteristics. NGC 4501 is stripped nearly edge-on, is heading southwest, and is ~ Myr before peak ram pressure, i.e. its closest approach to M 87. The southwestern ridge of enhanced gas surface density and enhanced polarized radio-continuum emission is due to ram pressure compression. It is argued that the faint western Hα emission ridge is induced by nearly edge-on ram pressure stripping. NGC 4501 represents an especially clear example of early stage ram pressure stripping of a large cluster-spiral galaxy.

The magnetic fields of large Virgo Cluster spirals

Because of its proximity the Virgo Cluster is an excellent target for studying interactions of galaxies with the cluster environment. Both the high-velocity tidal interactions and effects of ram pressure stripping by the intracluster gas can be investigated. Optical and/or \ion{H}{i} observations do not always show effects of weak interactions between galaxies and their encounters with the cluster medium. For this reason we searched for possible anomalies in the magnetic field structure in Virgo Cluster spirals which could be attributed to perturbations in their gas distribution and kinematics. Five angularly large Virgo Cluster spiral galaxies (NGC 4501, NGC 4438, NGC 4535, NGC 4548 and NGC 4654) were the targets for a sensitive total power and polarization study using the 100-m radio telescope in Effelsberg at 4.85 GHz. For two objects polarization data at higher frequencies have been obtained allowing Faraday rotation analysis. Distorted magnetic field structures were identified in all galaxies. Interaction-induced magnetized outflows were found in NGC 4438 (due to nuclear activity) and NGC 4654 (a combination of tidal tails and ram pressure effects). Almost all objects (except the anaemic NGC 4548) exhibit distortions in polarized radio continuum attributable to influence of the ambient gas. For some galaxies they agree with observations of other species, but sometimes (NGC 4535) the magnetic field is the only tracer of the interaction with the cluster environment. The cluster environment clearly affects the evolution of the galaxies due to ram pressure and tidal effects. Magnetic fields provide a very long-lasting memory of past interactions. Therefore, they are a good tracer of weak interactions which are difficult to detect by other observations.

NGC 4654: polarized radio continuum emission as a diagnostic tool for a galaxy-cluster interaction

Context. A recent comparison between deep VLA Hi observations and dynamical models of the Virgo cluster spiral galaxy NGC 4654 has shown that only a model involving a combination of a tidal interaction and ram pressure can reproduce the data. Aims. Deep radio polarization studies, together with detailed MHD modeling, can independently verify those conclusions, that are based on Hi observations and dynamical models. Methods. We performed deep polarized radio-continuum observations of the Virgo cluster spiral galaxy NGC 4654 with the Effelsberg 100 m telescope at 8.35 GHz and the VLA at 4.85 GHz. Detailed 3D MHD simulations were made to determine the large-scale magnetic field and the emission distribution of the polarized radio continuum in the model, during the galaxy evolution within the cluster environment. Results. This direct comparison between the observed and simulated polarized radio continuum emission corroborates the earlier results, that the galaxy had a recent rapid close encounter with NGC 4639 and is undergoing weak ram pressure by the intracluster medium. Conclusions. This combination of deep radio polarization studies and detailed MHD modeling thus gives us unique insight into the interactions of a galaxy with its cluster environment. It represents a diagnostic tool that is complementary to deep Hi observations.

Magnetic field evolution in the perturbed Virgo spiral NGC 4654 – MHD 3D modeling

AbstractThe Virgo cluster spiral galaxy NGC 4654 shows clear signs of interaction, but the nature of this interaction is still unclear. Two possibilities have been discussed: ram pressure stripping and tidal interaction with NGC 4639. Dynamical simulations speak in favor of the tidal interaction with small addition of constant ram pressure.We present synthetic polarized intensity maps calculated using 3D MHD simulations based on gas velocity field evolution. Our results are compared with recent Effelsberg 100 m telescope observations of NGC 4654. The MHD model and the observations are qualitatively similar. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Large-scale magnetized outflows from the Virgo Cluster spiral NGC 4569

Using the Effelsberg radio telescope at 4.85GHz and 8.35 GHz we discovered large symmetric lobes of polarized radio emission around the strongly HI deficient Virgo cluster spiral galaxy NGC4569. These lobes extend up to 24 kpc from the galactic disk. Our observations were complemented by 1.4 GHz continuum emission from existing HI observations. This is the first time that such huge radio continuum lobes are observed in a cluster spiral galaxy. The eastern lobe seems detached and has a flat spectrum typical for in-situ cosmic ray electron acceleration. The western lobe is diffuse and possesses vertical magnetic fields over its whole volume. The lobes are not powered by an AGN, but probably by a nuclear starburst producing >10^5 supernovae which occurred ~30 Myr ago. Since the radio lobes are symmetric, they resist ram pressure due to the galaxy's rapid motion within the intracluster medium.

The Nature of the Peculiar Virgo Cluster Galaxies NGC 4064 and NGC 4424

Using extensive kinematical and morphological data on two Virgo Cluster galaxies undergoing strong nuclear star formation, we show that ram pressure stripping and gravitational interactions can act together on galaxies that have recently fallen into clusters. We present a detailed study of the peculiar H I-deficient Virgo Cluster spiral galaxies NGC 4064 and NGC 4424 using 12CO 1-0 interferometry, optical imaging, and integral field spectroscopic observations in order to learn what type of environmental interactions have affected these galaxies. Optical imaging reveals that NGC 4424 has a strongly disturbed stellar disk, with banana-shaped isophotes and shells. NGC 4064, which lies in the cluster outskirts, possesses a relatively undisturbed outer stellar disk and a central bar. In both galaxies H? emission is confined to the central kiloparsec and originates in barlike strings of luminous star-forming complexes surrounded by fainter filaments. Complexes of young blue stars exist beyond the present location of ongoing star formation, indicating rapidly shrinking star-forming disks. Disturbed dust lanes extend out to a radius of 2-3 kpc, much farther than the H? and CO emission detected by us but similar to the blue stellar complexes. CO observations reveal bilobal molecular gas morphologies, with H? emission peaking inside the CO lobes, implying a time sequence in the star formation process. Gas kinematics reveals strong barlike noncircular motions in the molecular gas in both galaxies, suggesting that the material is radially infalling. In NGC 4064 the stellar kinematics reveals strong barlike noncircular motions in the central 1 kpc and stars supported by rotation with V/? > 1 beyond a radius of 15'' (1.2 kpc). On the other hand, NGC 4424 has extremely modest stellar rotation velocities (Vmax ~ 30 km?s-1), and stars are supported by random motions as far out as we can measure, with V/? = 0.6 at r = 18'' (1.4 kpc). The ionized gas kinematics in the core are disturbed and possibly counterrotating. The observations suggest that the peculiarities of NGC 4424 are the result of an intermediate-mass merger plus ram pressure stripping. In the case of NGC 4064, the evidence suggests an already stripped truncated/normal galaxy that recently suffered a minor merger or tidal interaction with another galaxy. Observations of the present star formation rate and gas content suggest that these galaxies will become small-bulge S0s within the next 3 Gyr. We propose that galaxies with truncated/compact H? morphologies such as these are the result of the independent effects of ram pressure stripping, which removes gas from the outer disk, and gravitational interactions such as mergers, which heat stellar disks, drive gas to the central kiloparsec, and increase the central mass concentrations. Together these effects transform the morphology of these galaxies.

NGC 4254: a spiral galaxy entering the Virgo cluster

Deep Effelsberg Hi spectra of the one-armed, bright Virgo cluster spiral galaxy NGC 4254 are presented. Five different positions were observed in the 21 cm Hi line with the Effelsberg 100-m telescope: one in the center and 4 located one HPBW to the NE, NW, SW, and SE, respectively, from the galaxy center. The spectra are compared to existing deep VLA observations, and the single dish and interferometric Hi data are used to constrain a dynamical model which includes the effects of ram pressure. The peculiar, one-armed spiral pattern of NGC 4254 and its distorted and kinematically perturbed atomic gas distribution can be explained by a close and rapid encounter ~280 Myr ago with another massive Virgo galaxy, followed by ram pressure stripping that is ongoing. The stripping occurs almost face-on, since the angle between the disk and the orbital plane is . The galaxy with which NGC 4254 had its encounter is tentatively identified as the lenticular NGC 4262.