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| Paper: |
The Mass Function of Supergiant Molecular Complexes in the Antennae |
| Volume: |
320, The Neutral ISM in Starburst Galaxies |
| Page: |
294 |
| Authors: |
Wilson, C. |
| Abstract: |
High-resolution images of the molecular gas in the Antennae galaxies (NGC 4038/39) have revealed a population of ∼ 100 massive concentrations of molecular gas. These supergiant molecular complexes have masses which range over three orders of magnitude and maximum masses approaching 109 MSolar . The slope of the mass function of 1.4 ± 0.1 agrees very well with the slope of the mass function of giant molecular clouds and cores observed in the Milky Way. However, the mass range of the complexes lies well above that of typical giant molecular clouds. We compare the properties of the molecular complexes to two different models for the formation of the young massive star clusters in the Antennae and show that pressure is not helpful in distinguishing between these two models. |
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