Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
A tight, linear correlation is established between the far-infrared flux measured by IRAS and the nonthermal radio flux density (at 1.4 GHz) from disks of spiral galaxies. This correlation defines a ratio of infrared to radio fluxes that is characteristic of star formation activity. Galaxies with nuclear starbursts seem to follow the correlation. If the far-infrared is reradiated luminosity from young massive stars, then the supernova remnants alone account for less than 10 percent of the radio emission. These results indicate a close coupling between dust heating and cosmic-ray generation and confinement in a wide range of conditions.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Hélou et al. (1985) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: