Computer Science
Scientific paper
Sep 2004
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004sptz.prop.3616c&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #3616
Computer Science
Scientific paper
Interstellar dust is ubiquitous, yet its precise composition is still widely debated. Spitzer's Infrared Spectrometer provides the sensitivity to study previously unattainable lines of sight throughout the plane of the Milky Way. In this proposal, we seek to study the hydrocarbon and silicate dust components of the interstellar medium for 56 lines of sight spanning visual extinctions from 6.6 to 32.2 magnitudes across a range of Galactic longitudes and latitudes. Specifically, we will measure the hydrocarbon absorption features at 6.9 and 7.3 micron, and the silicate absorption features at 9.7 and 18.5 micron. The ratio of the hydrocarbon and silicate features provides a direct handle on the hydrocarbon to silicate dust volume. It has been previously been noted that the optical depth to visual extinction ratio is distinct for lines of sight within the Solar neighborhood compared to the Galactic Center. Thus, these features will also be related to their visual extinction and Galactic location to test whether location has an effect on the optical depth to Av ratio. Finally, the silicate mineralogy can be assessed by studying the ratio of the 9.7 to 18.5 micron absorption features, whose relative strengths have been shown to be indicative of olivine-rich or pyroxene-rich silicates. In order to obtain sufficient sampling of both Galactic location and visual extinction, we will observe 56 lines of sight requiring a total of 16.3 hours.
Chiar Jean
Egan Michael
Sloan Greg C.
Tielens Alexander
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