Parabolic-like Trend in SiO Ratios throughout the Central Molecular Zone: Possible Signature of a Past Nuclear Activity in the Galactic Center
| Autor: | Shunya Takekawa, Tomoharu Oka, Shiho Tsujimoto, Hiroki Yokozuka, Nanase Harada, Miyuki Kaneko, Rei Enokiya, Yuhei Iwata |
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| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2024 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Vol 972, Iss 1, p L3 (2024) |
| Druh dokumentu: | article |
| ISSN: | 2041-8213 2041-8205 |
| DOI: | 10.3847/2041-8213/ad6c51 |
| Popis: | We report the discovery of a characteristic trend in the intensity ratios of SiO emissions across the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) of our Galaxy. Using the Nobeyama Radio Observatory 45 m telescope, we conducted large-scale, high-sensitivity imaging observations in molecular lines including SiO J = 2–1 and CS J = 2–1. By identifying SiO-emitting clouds and examining their intensity ratios relative to the other molecular lines, we unveiled a parabolic-like trend showing lower ratios near the Galactic nucleus, Sgr A*, with gradual increases toward the edges of the CMZ. This pattern suggests a possible outburst of the nucleus within the last ∼10 ^5 yr, which may have propagated through the entire CMZ with strong shocks. Alternatively, the observed trend may also be attributed to the destruction of small dust grains by high-energy photons. Our results can potentially lead to a new perspective on the history of nuclear activity and its impact on the surrounding molecular environment. |
| Databáze: | Directory of Open Access Journals |
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