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[N ii] Fine-structure Emission at 122 and 205 μm in a Galaxy at z = 2.6: A Globally Dense Star-forming Interstellar Medium.
- Source :
-
Astrophysical Journal . 12/20/2020, Vol. 905 Issue 2, p1-7. 7p. - Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- We present new observations with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array of the 122 and 205 μm fine-structure line emission of singly ionized nitrogen in a strongly lensed starburst galaxy at z = 2.6. The 122/205 μm [N ii ] line ratio is sensitive to electron density, , in the ionized interstellar medium, and we use this to measure ne ≈ 300 cm−3, averaged across the galaxy. This is over an order of magnitude higher than the Milky Way average, comparable to localized Galactic star-forming regions. Combined with observations of the atomic carbon (C i) and carbon monoxide (CO J = 4–3) in the same system, we reveal the conditions in this intensely star-forming system. The majority of the molecular interstellar medium has been driven to high density, and the resultant conflagration of star formation produces a correspondingly dense ionized phase, presumably colocated with myriad H ii regions that litter the gas-rich disk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0004637X
- Volume :
- 905
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Astrophysical Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 147823471
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/abc5b9