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| Paper: |
Large-Scale Imaging and the BIMA Survey of Nearby Galaxies |
| Volume: |
217, Imaging at Radio Through Submillimeter Wavelengths |
| Page: |
275 |
| Authors: |
Helfer, T. T.; Regan, M. W.; Thornley, M. D.; Vogel, S. N.; Sheth, K.; Harris, A.; Wong, T.; Blitz, L.; Bock, D. C.-J. |
| Abstract: |
BIMA SONG is a systematic imaging study of molecular gas within the centers and disks of 44 nearby spiral galaxies on size scales of a few hundred parsecs (6-9"). The overall goal of the Survey is to study the role of molecular gas in the evolution of spiral galaxies. To this end, BIMA SONG addresses (1) the distribution of the molecular gas in galactic disks and its relation to star formation, (2) the effects of a stellar bar on the kinematics of molecular gas, including the possible inflow of gas along a bar, and (3) the distribution and role of molecular gas in the central few hundred parsecs of active and quiescent galaxies. The source list includes all (except M33, M31) 44 galaxies of Hubble types Sa-Sd, with declinations δ > -20 degrees, visual magnitudes B < 11.0, velocities vhel < 2000 km/s -1, and inclinations i < 70 degrees. Beyond the specific scientific questions we will address, this survey will provide a unique database for astronomers who study galaxies at all wavelengths. In this talk, I emphasize the techniques that are required for imaging large (~ 200") fields of view in nearby galaxies. In particular, I compare simulations of large-scale imaging to BIMA SONG maps and total power measurements from the NRAO 12m telescope in order to evaluate the interferometer's ability to map large structures on the sky. |
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