CO (J = 4-3) and [C I] Observations of the Carina Molecular Cloud Complex

Details CO (J = 4-3) and [C I] Observations of the Carina Molecular Cloud Complex CO (J = 4-3) and [C I] Observations of the Carina Molecular Cloud Complex

2001-01-16

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0101272v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

27 text pages, 15 figures

Scientific paper

10.1086/320628

We present large area, fully-sampled maps of the Carina molecular cloud complex in the CO (J = 4 - 3) and neutral carbon [CI] 3P1 - 3P0 transitions. These data were obtained using the 1.7 meter diameter Antarctic Submillimeter Telescope and Remote Observatory (AST/RO). The maps cover an area of approximately 3 square degrees with a uniform 1' spatial sampling. Analysis of these data, in conjunction with CO (J = 1 - 0) data from the Columbia CO survey and the IRAS HIRES continuum maps for the same region, suggests that the spiral density wave shock associated with the Carina spiral arm may be playing an important role in the formation and dissociation of the cloud complex, as well as in maintaining the internal energy balance of the clouds in this region. Massive stars form at the densest regions of the molecular cloud complex. The winds and outflows associated with these stars have a disrupting effect on the complex and inject mechanical energy into the parent clouds, while the UV radiation from the young stars also heat the parent clouds. The present set of data suggests, however, that massive stars alone may not account for the energetics of the clouds in the Carina region. The details of the data and the correlation among the various data sets hint at the possible role that the spiral density wave shock plays in feeding interstellar turbulence and in heating molecular clouds.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

CO (J = 4-3) and [C I] Observations of the Carina Molecular Cloud Complex 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 CO (J = 4-3) and [C I] Observations of the Carina Molecular Cloud Complex, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and CO (J = 4-3) and [C I] Observations of the Carina Molecular Cloud Complex will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-426388