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H I line profiles of galaxies: tilted ring models

Two-dimensional information on the kinematics and spatial distribution of gas in spiral galaxies is encoded in radio observations of their one-dimensional 21-cm neutral hydrogen (HI) line profiles. More than ten thousand HI profiles have been published and are publicly available. In order to explore the parameter space mapped out by the 21-cm neutral hydrogen line pro file, we have modified and run a FORTRAN-based computer simulation code. We have identified 7 control parameters that define the morphology of the modelled galaxy: they describe the neutral hydrogen gas distribution (density and spatial location of the gas), characteristics of its rotation curve, warps, asymmetries, and finally, the viewing angle. All except the last of these parameters tell us significant physical information about the galaxy but a determination of them is not immediately apparent from the two-dimensional 21-cm line profile. Hence, the goal of this exploration is to find meaningful correlations between the observed 21-cm line profile features and the underlying physical parameters.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:CLAREMONT/oai:ccdl.libraries.claremont.edu:stc/46
Date08 May 2008
CreatorsNelson, Erica
PublisherPomona College
Source SetsClaremont Colleges
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeText
Formatapplication/pdf
RightsPomona College has non-exclusive publication rights. Permission is granted to quote from the thesis with the customary acknowledgment of the source. Copyright for each article is retained by the author. Republication in any form requires permission from the author of the thesis.
RelationSenior Theses from The Claremont Colleges - http://ccdl.libraries.claremont.edu/col/stc/

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