The HI Mass-Star Formation Rate Relation and Self-Regulated Star Formation in Dwarf Galaxies
Abstract
We have developed a simple, static model designed to place a very solid lower limit on the star formation rate (SFR) expected in a dwarf disk galaxy, which leads to the prediction of a previously undocumented relation between HI mass, MHI, and SFR. Over the mass range 108--1010 Msun, a wide variety of galaxies are observed to follow such a relation -- SFR ~ MHI1.4 -- with the same slope and similar scatter to our prediction. Within the model, this relation is a manifestation of self-regulating star formation (SF), in which the ISM is kept warm and stable by a UV interstellar radiation field (ISRF) that is maintained by constant regeneration of O--B stars. Regardless of the actual mode of star formation, it seems that the majority of dwarfs are presently forming stars in the same way.
Turn this paper into a full lesson
ArcXiv compiles a staged curriculum from this paper: 8-12 lessons across beginner → advanced, synthesised section guides, visuals, flashcards, a quiz, exercises, and on-demand deep dives per section. Grounded in the abstract, never invented.