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| Paper: |
The Spatial Distribution of Cold Dust in Nearby Galaxies |
| Volume: |
396, Formation and Evolution of Galaxy Disks |
| Page: |
119 |
| Authors: |
Hinz, J.L.; Engelbracht, C.W.; Willmer, C.N.A.; Rieke, G.H.; Rieke, M.J.; Misselt, K.; Smith, P.S.; Blaylock, M.; Gordon, K.D.; the M 31 and M 33 MIPS GTO Teams |
| Abstract: |
We review results from the Spitzer MIPS instrument regarding the spatial distribution of cold dust emission in a variety of nearby galaxies, focusing on their outer disks. Large masses of cold dust can be observed surrounding objects of varying physical size and morphological type, including galaxies quite low in mass. The cold dust emission represented by the MIPS 70 and 160 μm images extends well beyond the optical and near-infrared disks of M 31 and M 33, as is also the case for nearby starbursting dwarfs. The amount of detectable cold dust emission is dependent on the amount of diffuse, non-ionizing ultraviolet photons produced by the young stellar population. Therefore, many more galaxies with lower rates of star formation may have large amounts of very cold dust that escape detection. The existence of such cold dust halos allows us to probe issues regarding the assembly, storage, and retention of dust in disk galaxies and to better understand how the dust interacts with its environment. For instance, tracing gas-to-dust ratios far into disks allows us to distinguish between methods of dust production and transportation, and comparing with other wavelengths enables us to locate the sources of dust heating. |
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