Description |
We propose to use the SPIRE and PACS instruments on Herschel to measure the emission spectrum from dust as well as important cooling lines from the gaseous interstellar medium in sample of 13 very nearby galaxies (M51, M81, NGC2403, NGC891, M83, M82, Arp220, NGC4038/39, NGC1068, NGC4151, CenA, NGC4125, and NGC205). These galaxies have been chosen to probe as wide a region in galaxy parameter space as possible while maximizing the achievable spatial resolution and are already well-studied from X-ray and optical through to radio wavelengths. The far-infrared and submillimeter wavelengths probed by Herschel are absolutely crucial for understanding the physical processes and properties of the interstellar medium,the interplay between star formation and the interstellar medium in galaxies, and how they may depend on the wider galaxian environment. |