2026ApJ...999..185T


Query : 2026ApJ...999..185T

2026ApJ...999..185T - Astrophys. J., 999, 185 (2026/March-2)

ALMA [C I] Image of the Circumnuclear Disk of the Milky Way: Inflowing Low-density Molecular Gas.

TANAKA K., NAGAI M. and KAMEGAI K.

Abstract (from CDS):

We present Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array [C I] 3P1-3P0 imaging of the central 6.6 × 4.2 pc2 region of the Galaxy encompassing the circumnuclear disk (CND). The data reveal low-density (${n}_{{{\rm{H}}}_{2}}\sim 1{0}^{3}\,$cm–3) molecular gas with inward motion, widespread both inside and outside the CND. The normalized [C I] to CS 7-6 intensity difference decreases inwardly from R = 4 pc to 1.7 pc and azimuthally along the CND's rotation, likely tracing paths of low-density gas inflow. By projecting spaxels into orbital coordinates assuming a velocity field model, we identify four kinematic features: a pair of spiral outer streamers toward the CND, inner streamers extending to 0.5 pc from Sgr A*, an outer disk at R ∼ 3-6 pc, and the rotating ring at R = 2 pc. P-P-V correlation between the inner streamers and H42α indicates gas supply to the mini-spiral through the western arc (WA) and northern arm (NA). The total inflowing mass is 1.5 × 104M⊙, 1.7 times the mass of the rotating ring. The identified flows can be organized into two main pathways connecting the CND exterior and interior: “WA flow” feeding the mini-spiral WA via the CND, and “NA flow” bypassing the purely rotating orbit. The inflow rate along the former is approximately constant (0.1-0.16 M⊙ yr–1), implying a CND dwelling time comparable to its orbital period and supporting the CND's transient nature. We also identify two [C I]-bright clumps (CBCs) lacking dense-gas counterparts near the contact point between the northern outer streamer and the CND. Apparently intact against tidal disruption despite subcritical densities, the CBCs may represent a chemically young phase shortly after formation in colliding flows.

Abstract Copyright: © 2026. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society.

Journal keyword(s): Molecular clouds - Galactic center - Galaxy circumnuclear disk

Simbad objects: 6

goto Full paper

goto View the references in ADS

Number of rows : 6
N Identifier Otype ICRS (J2000)
RA
ICRS (J2000)
DEC
Mag U Mag B Mag V Mag R Mag I Sp type #ref
1850 - 2026
#notes
1 NAME Galactic Center reg 17 45 39.60213 -29 00 22.0000           ~ 16269 0
2 NAME Galactic Circumnuclear Disk PoG 17 45 40.0 -29 00 28           ~ 187 0
3 NAME Sgr A* X 17 45 40.03599 -29 00 28.1699           ~ 4970 3
4 GCM -0.02 -0.07 MoC 17 45 50.4 -28 59 06           ~ 182 0
5 NAME the Brick MoC 17 46 09 -28 43.8           ~ 226 0
6 NAME Local Arm reg ~ ~           ~ 649 0

To bookmark this query, right click on this link: simbad:objects in 2026ApJ...999..185T and select 'bookmark this link' or equivalent in the popup menu