Tracing Hierarchical Star Formation out to Kiloparsec Scales in Nearby Spiral Galaxies with UVIT

TL;DR

This study uses UVIT observations to analyze the hierarchical distribution of star formation in four nearby spiral galaxies, revealing scale-dependent clustering and variations linked to galaxy properties.

Contribution

It demonstrates the application of UVIT data to quantify the hierarchical scale of star formation and shows that these properties vary with galaxy type and environment.

Findings

Star-forming clumps are hierarchically distributed up to 0.5-3.1 kpc.

Hierarchical scales are smaller in flocculent galaxy NGC7793.

Star formation hierarchy dissipates within 10-50 Myr.

Abstract

Molecular clouds fragment under the action of supersonic turbulence & gravity which results in a scale-free hierarchical distribution of star formation (SF) within galaxies. Recent studies suggest that the hierarchical distribution of SF in nearby galaxies shows a dependence on host galaxy properties. In this context, we study the nature of hierarchical SF from a few tens of pc up to several kpc in 4 nearby spiral galaxies NGC1566, NGC5194, NGC5457 & NGC7793, by leveraging the large FoV & high resolution FUV+NUV observations from the UltraViolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT). Using the two-point correlation function, we infer that the young star-forming clumps (SFCs) in the galaxies are arranged in a fractal-like hierarchical distribution, but only up to a maximum scale ($l_{corr}$) & it ranges from 0.5 kpc to 3.1 kpc. The flocculent spiral NGC7793 has $\sim$5 times smaller $l_{corr}$ than the 3 grand design spirals, possibly due to its lower mass, low pressure environment & lack of strong spiral arms. $l_{corr}$ being much smaller than the galaxy size suggests that the SF hierarchy does not extend to the full galaxy size & it is likely an effect set by multiple physical mechanisms in the galaxy. The hierarchical distribution of SFCs dissipates within 10 to 50 Myr, signifying their migration away from their birthplaces over time. Our results suggest that the global hierarchical properties of SF in galaxies are not universal & significant variations exist in the local & global hierarchy parameters of a galaxy. This study also demonstrates the capabilities of UVIT in characterizing the SF hierarchy in nearby galaxies. In the future, a bigger sample can be employed to further understand the role of large-scale galaxy properties (morphology, environment) & physical processes (feedback, turbulence, shear & ISM conditions) on determining the non-universal hierarchical properties of SF in galaxies.