Dust and Ionized Gas Association in E/S0 Galaxies with Dust Lanes: Clues to their Origin

TL;DR

This study investigates the relationship between dust and ionized gas in E/S0 galaxies with dust lanes, providing evidence that these components likely originate externally, which informs our understanding of the interstellar medium's nature.

Contribution

The paper offers new insights into the external origin of dust and ionized gas in E/S0 galaxies by analyzing their relationship and properties, advancing knowledge of the interstellar medium.

Findings

Strong correlation between dust and ionized gas components.

External origin of dust and gas supported by properties of obscured regions.

Implications for the understanding of multi-temperature ISM components.

Abstract

We present results from an on-going programme to study the dust and ionized gas in E/S0 galaxies with dust lanes. Our data, together with results from previous studies of E/S0 galaxies, are used to demonstrate the tight relationship between these two components. This relationship is discussed in light of our current understanding of the nature and origin of the interstellar medium (ISM), and in particular in the context of the interplay between the different multi-temperature components. We show that focusing on dust obscured regions as tracers of the ISM, and on their properties, serves as independent evidence for the external origin of the dust and ionized gas.