To be published in "The Spectral Energy Distribution of
Gas-Rich Galaxies: Confronting Models with Data", Proceedings of the
International Workshop held 4-8 October 2004 in Heidelberg, 4-8
Oct. 2004, Edited by Cristina C. Popescu and Richard J. Tuffs, AIP
Conf. Ser.
For a PDF version of the article, click
here.
Abstract. Following on from IRAS, the ISOPHOT instrument on board the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) has provided a huge advancement in our knowledge of the phenomenology of the far-infrared (FIR) emission of normal galaxies and the underlying physical processes. Highlights include: the discovery of an extended cold dust emission component, present in all types of gas-rich galaxies and carrying the bulk of the dust luminosity; the definitive characterisation of the spectral energy distribution in the FIR, revealing the channels through which stars power the FIR light; the derivation of realistic geometries for stars and dust from ISOPHOT imaging and the discovery of cold dust associated with HI extending beyond the optical body of galaxies.
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