The BIMA survey of nearby galaxies (BIMA SONG)

Tamara T. Helfer, Michael W. Regan, Michele D. Thornley, Tony Wong, Kartik Sheth, Stuart N. Vogel, Douglas C.J. Bock, Leo Blitz, Andy Harris

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

BIMA SONG is a systematic imaging study of the 3 mm CO J = 1 → 0 molecular emission within the centres and discs 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 and physical conditions of the molecular gas in galactic discs 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 and M31) 44 galaxies of Hubble types Sa-Sd, with declinations δ > -20°, visual magnitudes B < 11.0, velocities υhel < 2000 km s-1, and inclinations i < 70°. Beyond the specific scientific questions we will address, this survey will provide a unique database for astronomers who study galaxies at all wavelengths.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1131-1139
Number of pages9
JournalAstrophysics and Space Science
Volume276
Issue number2-4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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