2020/09/21 by W. J. G. de Blok, E. Athanassoula, A. Bosma +45
Physics and Astronomy · #Accretion (finance) #Astronomy and Astrophysical Research #Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies #Dwarf galaxy #Galaxies: Formation, Evolution, Phenomena #Galaxy #H-alpha #Molecular cloud #Protein filament #Star formation #astro-ph.GA
paper · pdf · doi:10.1051/0004-6361/202038894
published as A&A 643, A147 (2020) · Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics
arxiv created 2020/09/21 · openalex publication_date 2020/09/21 · openalex created_date 2020/09/25 · arxiv updated 2020/11/18 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/06
Aims. We present the results of three commissioning H I observations obtained with the MeerKAT radio telescope. These observations make up part of the preparation for the forthcoming MHONGOOSE nearby galaxy survey, which is a MeerKAT large survey project that will study the accretion of gas in galaxies and the link between gas and star formation. Methods. We used the available H I data sets, along with ancillary data at other wavelengths, to study the morphology of the MHONGOOSE sample galaxy, ESO 302-G014, which is a nearby gas-rich dwarf galaxy. Results. We find that ESO 302-G014 has a lopsided, asymmetric outer disc with a low column density. In addition, we find a tail or filament of H I clouds extending away from the galaxy, as well as an isolated H I cloud some 20 kpc to the south of the galaxy. We suggest that these features indicate a minor interaction with a low-mass galaxy. Optical imaging shows a possible dwarf galaxy near the tail, but based on the current data, we cannot confirm any association with ESO 302-G014. Nonetheless, an interaction scenario with some kind of low-mass companion is still supported by the presence of a significant amount of molecular gas, which is almost equal to the stellar mass, and a number of prominent stellar clusters, which suggest recently triggered star formation. Conclusions. These data show that MeerKAT produces exquisite imaging data. The forthcoming full-depth survey observations of ESO 302-G014 and other sample galaxies will, therefore, offer insights into the fate of neutral gas as it moves from the intergalactic medium onto galaxies.