Conversion of HI to H2 and the age of Molecular Clouds

Details Conversion of HI to H2 and the age of Molecular Clouds Conversion of HI to H2 and the age of Molecular Clouds

Dec 2007

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007msl..confe..93g&link_type=abstract

"Molecules in Space and Laboratory, meeting held in Paris, France, May 14-18, 2007. Editors: J.L. Lemaire, F. Combes. ISBN: 9782

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Modelling_Environments

Scientific paper

I review the historical development of our understanding of the conversion of atomic to molecular hydrogen in astronomy. I discuss how the discoveries of HI and H2 in the interstellar medium were followed by studies of the relative abundance of atomic and molecular gas. Understanding this led to increasingly sophisticated theoretical models for H2 formation on the surface of interstellar dust grains. Due to the limited space available, I will not discuss laboratory measurements of HI -> H2 conversion, which are covered in other articles in this volume. In certain situations, astronomical data can be used to constrain the formation rate of H2 molecules. Finally, I use the reasonably well determined chemistry of HI and H2 to determine a lower limit of ~1E7 yr on the age of molecular clouds and thus for the overall timescale of star formation.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Conversion of HI to H2 and the age of Molecular Clouds does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Conversion of HI to H2 and the age of Molecular Clouds, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Conversion of HI to H2 and the age of Molecular Clouds will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1024507