Grace Krahm (Ohio State University)

Title: Vertical Structure of Molecular Gas in Edge-On Galaxies

Abstract: Understanding molecular cloud properties and how they make up the molecular disk of a galaxy is essential for understanding how galaxies form stars and evolve over time. Most observations of molecular gas come from galaxies viewed close to face-on, which gives information across the disk but does not reveal vertical structure. Edge-on galaxies provide a singular view of this vertical structure, which reflects the balance between gravity, turbulence, stellar feedback and other sources of energy.

In this talk, I will present high-resolution observations of molecular gas in highly inclined galaxies, characterizing vertical structure from the thickness of the molecular disk to the vertical extent and morphology of individual molecular clouds. Starting with NGC 4565 as a detailed case study, I will expand to six edge-on galaxies from the MAUVE-ALMA survey and SMA observations of NGC 891 to showcase how molecular gas structure varies across different galactic environments. Finally, I will discuss new JWST NIRCam and MIRI observations of NGC 4565 and how they provide a more complete picture of the vertical structure of gas, dust, PAHs and star formation.