The FIR/radio correlation in starburst galaxies - constraints on starburst models

dc.creatorLisenfeld, U.
dc.creatorVoelk, H. J.
dc.creatorXu, C.
dc.date1996-05-20
dc.date.accessioned2026-07-07T02:21:17Z
dc.date.available2026-07-07T02:21:17Z
dc.descriptionThis paper presents an analysis of the correlation between the far-infrared (FIR) and the radio emission of starburst galaxies. Data for interacting galaxies, many of which are undergoing a starburst, and for normal galaxies have been analysed and compared in order to test for any influence of the star-formation activity on the ratio between the FIR and the radio emission at 2.4 GHz, $\q24$. No statistically significant indication for such an influence has been found: There is neither a significant difference between $\q24$ of the two samples nor a dependence of this ratio on the starburst strength. This observational fact is unexpected because of the different physical conditions and the short time-scale of the star-formation activity in a starburst. In order to interprete the observations the FIR and the radio emission during a starburst have been modeled. The following conclusions could be drawn from the observed constancy of $\q24$: A strong and fast ($\approx 10^7$ yr) increase of the magnetic field at the beginning of the starburst is required in order to maintain a constant $\q24$. Otherwise the strong Inverse Compton losses that are due to the intense radiation field in a starburst would lower the synchrotron emission drastically resulting in a value of $\q24$ significantly higher than the observed one. Furthermore, the time-scale of the variation of the star-formation rate has to be longer than some $10^7$ yr. For lower values the different time-scales of the FIR and the radio emission produce large fluctuations of $\q24$.
dc.description9 pages A&A tex, 10 postscript figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics
dc.identifierhttps://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9605118
dc.identifierhttp://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9605118
dc.identifier.urihttp://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/10492
dc.subjectAstrophysics
dc.titleThe FIR/radio correlation in starburst galaxies - constraints on starburst models
dc.typetext

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