On the distribution of interstellar matter around the sun

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

322

Interstellar Matter, Interstellar Radiation, Sun, Astronomical Coordinates, Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation, Sky Surveys (Astronomy), Spatial Distribution

Scientific paper

Available data on interstellar line or EUV continuum absorption attributable to the local (r equal to or less than 100 pc) interstellar medium are presented and analyzed as a whole for clues leading to a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution and physical properties of this material. By using these data in conjunction with upper limits provided by polarization and color excess surveys and relating everything to the neutral-hydrogen column density, it is shown that the data are consistent with a simple model that assumes the relatively pervasive presence of a tenuous (nH = 0.07 per cu cm), possibly warm (T = 1,000-10,000 K) gas extending uniformly out to considerable distances from the sun in most directions. The only region manifestly clear of this material lies in the 200 deg to 270 deg galactic longitude range in both high and low latitudes. Strong density discontinuities are clearly observable at r approximately 100-150 pc in the general directions of the Sco-Cen and Per associations and a weaker discontinuity much closer to the sun running along a ridge oriented parallel to the line connecting their centers. Beyond these fronts, the space density of interstellar matter must fall to very low values that extend out to several hundred parsecs or so from the sun. These results are not incompatible with H I, 21-cm, and soft X-ray all-sky surveys. The implication of these findings for the theory of the interstellar medium and EUV visibility is briefly discussed.

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

On the distribution of interstellar matter around the sun 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 On the distribution of interstellar matter around the sun, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the distribution of interstellar matter around the sun will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1704218

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