The dust distribution in late-type low surface brightness disks

John MacLachlan, Lynn Matthews, Kenny Wood, Jay Gallagher

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Late-type low surface brightness (LSB) disk galaxies are common in the local universe and appear dynamically and chemically under evolved compared to their high surface brightness (HSB) counterparts. We have utilized multi-wavelength imaging and photometry of three edge-on, low-mass LSB disk galaxies to investigate the dust distribution in such systems. Through the use of Monte Carlo radiation transfer models to interpret the data, we find that the dust disk appears to have a vertical scale height similar to the stellar disk. This is in contrast to previous findings from HSB galaxies, where the dust, is believed to be more concentrated in the galactic mid-plane. We believe the change in the relative scale heights of the dust and stellar disks is likely associated with the increased stability of the ISM against vertical collapse and the thin nature of the stellar disks.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSPECTRAL ENERGY DISTRIBUTION OF GALAXIES
EditorsRJ Tuffs, CC Popescu
Place of PublicationCAMBRIDGE
PublisherCambridge University Press
Pages101-103
Number of pages3
ISBN (Print)978-1-107-01984-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Event284th Symposium of the International-Astronomical-Union - Preston
Duration: 5 Sept 20119 Sept 2011

Conference

Conference284th Symposium of the International-Astronomical-Union
CityPreston
Period5/09/119/09/11

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