SIMBAD references

The starburst galaxy M 82 has been mapped at λ1.2mm using the IRAM 30-m telescope and the MPIfR 19-channel bolometer. The influence of the sidelobe pattern and the ¹²CO(2-1) line has been carefully analyzed. Based on this analysis, we conclude that the cold dust does not extend far into the halo as has been previously claimed. The total mass of dust in the inner 3kpc of the galaxy is 7.5x10⁶M_☉. Assuming a solar gas-to-dust ratio, the inferred total mass of gas is 7.5x10⁸M_☉ . Unlike in any other galaxy we find the CO(2-1) line emission to be clearly more extended than the λ1.2mm dust emission. A likely explanation for this exceptional behaviour, seen for the first time in galaxies, is heating of molecular gas by low-energy cosmic rays and soft X-rays in the halo of M 82.