Observations of H3+ in the Diffuse Interstellar Medium

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

To be published in Astrophysical Journal, March 2002

Scientific paper

10.1086/338380

Surprisingly large column densities of H3+ have been detected using infrared absorption spectroscopy in seven diffuse cloud sightlines (Cygnus OB2 12, Cygnus OB2 5, HD 183143, HD 20041, WR 104, WR 118, and WR 121), demonstrating that H3+ is ubiquitous in the diffuse interstellar medium. Using the standard model of diffuse cloud chemistry, our H3+ column densities imply unreasonably long path lengths (~1 kpc) and low densities (~3 cm^-3). Complimentary millimeter-wave, infrared, and visible observations of related species suggest that the chemical model is incorrect and that the number density of H3+ must be increased by one to two orders of magnitude. Possible solutions include a reduced electron fraction, an enhanced rate of H2 ionization, and/or a smaller value of the H3+ dissociative recombination rate constant than implied by laboratory experiments.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Observations of H3+ in the Diffuse Interstellar Medium 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 Observations of H3+ in the Diffuse Interstellar Medium, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Observations of H3+ in the Diffuse Interstellar Medium will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-104054

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.