Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-09-19
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
13 pages, A&A in press
Scientific paper
10.1051/0004-6361:200810519
Observational data and theoretical calculations show that significant small-scale substructures are present in dark molecular clouds. These inhomogeneities can provide precious hints on the physical conditions inside the clouds, but can also severely bias extinction measurements. We present NICEST, a novel method to account and correct for inhomogeneities in molecular cloud extinction studies. The method, tested against numerical simulations, removes almost completely the biases introduced by sub-pixel structures and by the contamination of foreground stars. We applied NICEST to 2MASS data of the Pipe molecular complex. The map thereby obtained shows significantly higher (up to 0.41 mag in A_K) extinction peaks than the standard NICER (Lombardi et al. 2001) map. This first application confirms that substructures in nearby molecular clouds, if not accounted for, can significantly bias extinction measurements in regions with A_K > 1 mag; the effect, moreover, is expected to increase in more distant molecular cloud, because of the poorer physical resolution achievable.
No associations
LandOfFree
NICEST, a near-infrared color excess method tailored for small-scale structures 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 NICEST, a near-infrared color excess method tailored for small-scale structures, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and NICEST, a near-infrared color excess method tailored for small-scale structures will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-157786