The sub-mm morphology of the interacting galaxy NGC 3627

TL;DR

This study uses sub-mm observations to analyze the molecular and continuum morphology of the interacting galaxy NGC 3627, revealing complex kinematic and magnetic field structures related to spiral arm interactions.

Contribution

It provides detailed sub-mm continuum and molecular line data of NGC 3627, highlighting small-scale variations and the potential impact of spiral arm crossings on magnetic fields.

Findings

Significant molecular line ratio variations in the southeastern galaxy region.

Evidence of a continued spiral arm crossing the eastern arm.

Unusual magnetic field configurations associated with spiral arm interactions.

Abstract

We present sub-mm continuum and heterodyne data of the interacting galaxy NGC 3627, obtained with the HHT and APEX. We find significant changes in the molecular line ratios over small scales in the southeastern part of this galaxy. The kinematics of the CO(2-1) line, as well as the morphology in the 870um continuum emission, suggest a continuation of the western spiral arm on the east side of the galaxy's central area. This continued spiral arm crosses the normal eastern spiral arm in an area which shows an unusual magnetic field configuration. This spiral arm crossing, independently of if it's physical or just projected, may help in the understanding of the observed magnetic field configuration.