What does "eDIG" mean?
Table of Contents
Extraplanar Diffuse Ionized Gas (eDIG) is a type of gas that exists above and below the main disk of stars in a galaxy. This gas is not tightly packed and is spread out, making it different from the dense regions found in the galaxy’s disk.
Why is eDIG Important?
eDIG plays a key role in how galaxies grow and change over time. It is involved in processes like gas falling into galaxies and gas being pushed out, which affects star formation and the overall health of the galaxy.
How is eDIG Studied?
Researchers look at the light emitted by eDIG to learn more about it. They use special tools to create detailed maps of where this gas is located and how it behaves. By analyzing the light from different parts of the galaxy, scientists can see how eDIG interacts with the stars and the surrounding environment.
What Have We Learned About eDIG?
Studies show that eDIG is often found in many galaxies. It can be present in significant amounts, indicating that star formation can happen not just in the main disk, but also in the areas above and below it. This suggests that the processes affecting star formation are more complex than previously thought.
In some galaxies, eDIG is linked to strong outflows of gas, which can help fuel star formation in different regions. In other cases, the behavior of eDIG can be influenced by turbulence, which causes the gas to be spread out over larger areas than expected.
Overall, eDIG helps scientists gain insights into how galaxies function and evolve over time.