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Major structures of the inner Galaxy delineated by 6.7-GHz methanol masers
Citation
Green, JA and Caswell, JL and McClure-Griffiths, NM and Avison, A and Breen, SL and Burton, MG and Ellingsen, SP and Fuller, GA and Gray, MD and Pestalozzi, M and Thompson, MA and Voronkov, MA, Major structures of the inner Galaxy delineated by 6.7-GHz methanol masers, The Astrophysical Journal: An International Review of Astronomy and Astronomical Physics, 733, (1) Article 27. ISSN 0004-637X (2011) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2011 Institute of Physics
Official URL: http://iopscience.iop.org/0004-637X/733/1/27/
DOI: doi:10.1088/0004-637X/733/1/27
Abstract
We explore the longitude-velocity distribution of 6.7 GHz methanol masers in the context of the inner structure of our Galaxy. We analyze the correlation in velocities within this distribution and identify density enhancements indicating large-scale regions of enhanced star formation. These are interpreted as the starting points of the spiral arms and the interaction of the Galactic bar with the 3 kpc arms. The methanol masers support the presence of a long thin bar with a 45° orientation. Signatures of the full 3 kpc arm structure are seen, including a prominent tangent at approximately –22° Galactic longitude. We compare this distribution with existing models of the gas dynamics of our Galaxy. The 3 kpc arm structure appears likely to correspond to the radius of corotation resonance of the bar, with the bar on its inner surface and the starting points of the spiral arms on its outer surface.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | masers — physical data and processes, stars: formation — stars, |
| Research Division: | Physical Sciences |
| Research Group: | Astronomical sciences |
| Research Field: | Galactic astronomy |
| Objective Division: | Expanding Knowledge |
| Objective Group: | Expanding knowledge |
| Objective Field: | Expanding knowledge in the physical sciences |
| UTAS Author: | Ellingsen, SP (Professor Simon Ellingsen) |
| ID Code: | 69750 |
| Year Published: | 2011 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 56 |
| Deposited By: | Mathematics and Physics |
| Deposited On: | 2011-05-17 |
| Last Modified: | 2017-11-03 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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