Abstract
Exploiting the data from the GAs Stripping Phenomena in galaxies with MUSE
(GASP) program, we compare the integrated Star Formation Rate- Mass relation
(SFR-M_ast) relation of 42 cluster galaxies undergoing ram pressure stripping
("stripping galaxies") to that of 32 field and cluster undisturbed galaxies.
Theoretical predictions have so far led to contradictory conclusions about
whether ram pressure can enhance the star formation in the gas disks and tails
or not and until now a statistically significant observed sample of stripping
galaxies was lacking. We find that stripping galaxies occupy the upper envelope
of the control sample SFR-M_ast relation, showing a systematic enhancement of
the SFR at any given mass. The star formation enhancement occurs in the disk
(0.2 dex), and additional star formation takes place in the tails. Our results
suggest that strong ram pressure stripping events can moderately enhance the
star formation also in the disk prior to gas removal.
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