Nebula in galaxy
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Nebulae in Galaxies: Insights from Recent Research
Lyα Nebulae and Galaxy Properties
Brighter and More Massive Galaxies in Lyα Nebulae Vicinity
Research has shown that Lyα nebulae, which trace overdense environments at redshifts around 2-3, are associated with brighter and more massive galaxies compared to those in the field. A study identified 86 galaxies near six Lyα nebulae at z ≈ 2.3, revealing that these galaxies are about half a magnitude brighter, have higher stellar masses, increased star formation rates, and larger effective radii than field galaxies. This suggests that the environment significantly influences galaxy evolution, accelerating it in rich environments1.
Lyα Nebulae and Galaxy Clusters
A rare discovery of a quadruple quasar system embedded in a giant Lyα nebula indicates a substantial overdensity of galaxies, likely the progenitor of a massive galaxy cluster. This system, found at redshift z ≈ 2, implies a physical connection between Lyα nebulae and the locations of rare protoclusters, challenging current cosmological simulations by suggesting a tremendous supply of cool, dense gas in these massive structures9.
Ionized Nebulae in Galaxy Clusters
Emission-Line Nebulae in Cool Core Clusters
Integral field spectroscopic observations of emission-line nebulae surrounding central galaxies in cool core clusters reveal complex dynamics and formation mechanisms. These nebulae exhibit bulk flows and velocity shears, with some showing rotational velocities matching the underlying molecular reservoirs. The ionization state of the gas varies significantly, influenced by UV light from young stars and other heating sources, indicating ongoing reshaping and reformation of the nebulae2.
Nebulae in Star-Forming Discs
The PHANGS–MUSE survey identified over 30,000 ionized nebulae in the central star-forming discs of 19 nearby galaxies. These nebulae, primarily H II regions, provide insights into the interstellar medium's conditions, including gas-phase metallicity and ionization parameters. The study found that radial metallicity gradients and variations within galaxies correlate with global star formation rates and gas velocity dispersions, offering a rich database for further ISM studies3.
Planetary Nebulae and Galactic Dynamics
Orientation and Distribution in the Galaxy
A study of 209 axially symmetrical planetary nebulae (PNe) found no strong evidence for non-random orientations within the Galaxy. This research, utilizing a larger and more homogeneous sample, suggests that the orientation of PNe is random, contrary to previous findings4.
Role in Ionizing the Interstellar Medium
Planetary nebulae play a crucial role in ionizing the interstellar medium in galaxies. They contribute to ionized gas outside spiral galaxy disks, the diffuse ionized medium within spirals, and weak line emissions in elliptical galaxies, highlighting their importance in galactic ionization processes5.
Tracing Halo Dynamics
PNe are valuable for studying halo dynamics and mass distributions in early-type galaxies. For instance, in galaxy NGC 5128, PNe kinematics suggest an increasing mass-to-light ratio with radius, indicating the presence of dark matter in the halo. This finding aligns with gas dynamics observations in the galaxy's dust lane7.
Dark Nebulae in Elliptical Galaxies
Mapping and Characteristics
A survey using the Kitt Peak National Observatory video camera mapped dark nebulae in 15 classical elliptical galaxies. These nebulae trace cool, dense interstellar matter and potential star formation sites. While some ellipticals contain large dark nebulae, the majority do not, suggesting varying processes controlling cool gas distribution in these galaxies6.
Conclusion
Recent studies on nebulae within galaxies reveal their significant impact on galaxy properties, dynamics, and evolution. From the brighter, more massive galaxies in Lyα nebulae environments to the role of planetary nebulae in ionizing the interstellar medium and tracing halo dynamics, these findings enhance our understanding of the complex interactions between nebulae and their host galaxies. Further research, particularly with advanced tools like the James Webb Space Telescope, will continue to shed light on these fascinating cosmic structures.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Brighter and More Massive Galaxies in the Vicinity of Lyα Nebulae
Galaxies near Ly nebulae are half a magnitude brighter, have higher stellar masses, higher star formation rates, and larger effective radii, suggesting galaxy evolution is accelerated in rich environments.
Ionized nebulae surrounding brightest cluster galaxies
Cool core cluster galaxies contain similar ionized nebulae, with UV from massive, young stars contributing to low-ionization spectra.
The PHANGS–MUSE Nebular Catalogue
The PHANGS-MUSE Nebular Catalogue provides a rich database for studying the interstellar medium, with a weak negative correlation between metallicity and star formation rate.
Orientation of planetary nebulae within the Galaxy
There is no strong evidence for non-random orientations of planetary nebulae within the Galaxy, contrary to previous work in this field.
Planetary Nebulae and the Ionization of the Interstellar Medium in Galaxies
Planetary nebulae and their progeny play a crucial role in ionizing the interstellar medium in galaxies, affecting gas distributions and weak line emission in various galaxy types.
Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific 98:81-91, January 1986 MAPPING DARK NEBULAE IN ELLIPTICAL GALAXIES
Dark nebulae in classical elliptical galaxies trace cool, dense interstellar matter and are potential sites for star formation, but most do not contain large dark nebulae.
Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific 105: 1011-1015, 1993 September Planetary Nebulae and Halo Dynamics in Early-Type Galaxies
The mass-to-light ratio in the planetary nebula system in galaxy NGC 5128 suggests the presence of dark matter in the halo, supporting the gas dynamics of the dust lane.
Planetary nebulae as tracers of galaxy stellar populations
The planetary nebula (PN) ratio is a key tool for tracing galaxy stellar populations, with a lower limit for M core 0.52 M indicating a blue-straggler population.
Highly CitedQuasar quartet embedded in giant nebula reveals rare massive structure in distant universe
A rare four-quasar system embedded in a giant nebula suggests a connection between Lyman- nebulae and rare protoclusters, potentially refining models of galaxy evolution.
Highly Cited