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New method traces molecular gas mass in distant galaxies

Posted in evolution, space

Prof. Zhao Yinghe from the Yunnan Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with collaborators, have conducted a study examining the correlation between the [C II] 158 micron emission and the CO(1−0) line. Their findings were published in The Astrophysical Journal.

Molecular gas (H2) plays a critical role in , a key factor in the evolution of galaxies. Therefore, measuring the gas content in galaxies is crucial. However, the traditional tracer for H2 mass, the CO(1−0) line, is challenging to detect in the due to various factors, including lower metal content.

As a result, there is a pressing need for alternative H2 tracers, especially as more galaxies at high redshifts are being discovered.

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