The Galactic Center Cloud G0.253+0.016: A Massive Dense Cloud with low Star Formation Potential
Jan, 2013Citations per year
Abstract: (IOP)
We present the first interferometric molecular line and dust emission maps for the Galactic Center (GC) cloud G0.253+0.016, observed using CARMA and the SMA. This cloud is very dense, and concentrates a mass exceeding the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex (2 × 10(5) M (☉)) into a radius of only 3 pc, but it is essentially starless. G0.253+0.016 therefore violates 'star formation laws' presently used to explain trends in galactic and extragalactic star formation by a factor ~45. Our observations show a lack of dense cores of significant mass and density, thus explaining the low star formation activity. Instead, cores with low densities and line widths lsim 1 km s(–)(1)—probably the narrowest lines reported for the GC region to date—are found. Evolution over several 10(5) yr is needed before more massive cores, and possibly an Arches-like stellar cluster, could form. Given the disruptive dynamics of the GC region, and the potentially unbound nature of G0.253+0.016, it is not clear that this evolution will happen.Note:
- accepted to ApJ Letters/ additional outreach material available at https://sites.google.com/site/jenskauffmann/
- Galaxy: center
- ISM: clouds
- stars: formation
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