SIRTF Observations of the Mid IR Features in Reflection Nebulae

Details SIRTF Observations of the Mid IR Features in Reflection Nebulae SIRTF Observations of the Mid IR Features in Reflection Nebulae

Sep 2004

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004sptz.prop...19h&link_type=abstract

Spitzer Proposal ID #19

Computer Science

Scientific paper

Reflection nebulae (RN) are valuable tools for the study of the interstellar infrared emission features (IEFs) (at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, 11.3 and 12.7 microns). The localized heating of an interstellar cloud by a nearby, optically visible star allows us to study the IEFs over varying excitation conditions by observing reflection nebulae illuminated by stars of different effective temperature. We will use a combination of MIPS, IRAC and the IRS to observe the IEFs in seven reflection nebulae with two major scientific approaches: (1) use the unprecedented sensitivity of SIRTF to detect and characterize IEF emission toward RN (vdb 47, 101 and 135) with very low illuminating stellar temperatures (and thus low UV to total flux ratios), which tests the various carrier/excitation models of the IEFs, in particular the PAH models which require high energy UV photons for excitation; and (2) obtain both the highest quality images and most complete wavelength-coverage spectra of the IEFs to date, by observing a sample of relatively bright RN (vdb 17, 52, 133, and 139). For both approaches, MIPS (24, 70, 160 microns) will be used to map the mid-IR emission and characterize the far-IR color temperature around the nebulae. IRAC will be used to map the distribution of IEF emission in the nebulae and to pinpoint the brightest emission spots for observation by the IRS. The IRS will provide spectra spanning from 5 to 40 microns, with lower spectral resolution of 60 at lambda < 10 microns, and higher spectral resolution (600) at lambda > 10 microns.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

SIRTF Observations of the Mid IR Features in Reflection Nebulae 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 SIRTF Observations of the Mid IR Features in Reflection Nebulae, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and SIRTF Observations of the Mid IR Features in Reflection Nebulae will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1823288