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| Paper: |
High-Resolution Mapping of CO(3-2) in NGC 6240 |
| Volume: |
446, Galaxy Evolution: Infrared to Millimeter Wavelength Perspective |
| Page: |
97 |
| Authors: |
U, V.; Wang, Z.; Sanders, D.; Fazio, G.; Chung, A.; Petitpas, G.; Iono, D.; Gao, Y.; Kewley, L.; Huang, J.; GOALS |
| Abstract: |
NGC 6240 is a late-stage advance merger harboring two AGNs that have
yet to coalesce, but its central dense molecular gas precedes its
stellar component counterparts (∼ 1″, or 500pc, apart) in
gravitating towards the dynamical center of the system. This is one of
the nearest examples of extreme star formation as a result of
galaxy-galaxy interaction; its proximity allows for a detailed
examination of the underlying physics and lends to it being a
particularly interesting case study. Building on
previous submillimeter work, we present high-resolution (∼
0.4″) maps of the CO(3-2) gas taken at the Submillimter Array.
At this resolution, we resolve asymmetric gas flux peaks lying inward
of the two AGNs; we find the distribution and kinematics of the
molecular gas are consistent with models that suggest a turbulent
nature. A general velocity gradient along the axis in between the two
nuclei is noted along with local disturbances. A simple
geometry-based scenario is proposed to explain the observed gas
dynamics based on hydrodynamic galaxy-merger simulation
models, the continual development of which will shed light on the
physics behind gas behavior at these small scales. |
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