Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Galaxy Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2010-08-11
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Galaxy Astrophysics
8 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in A&A
Scientific paper
Ams: We study the 12C/13C isotopic ratio in the disk of the central molecular zone and in the halo to trace gas accretion toward the Galactic center region in the Milky Way. Methods: Using the IRAM 30m telescope, we observe the J=1-0 rotational transition of HCO+, HCN, HNC and their 13C isotopic substitutions in order to measure the 12C/13C isotopic ratio. We observe 9 positions selected throughout the Galactic center region, including clouds at high latitude; locations where the X1 and X2 orbits associated with the barred potential are expected to intersect; and typical Galactic center molecular clouds. Results: We find a systematically higher 12C/13C isotopic ratio (>40) toward the halo and the X1 orbits than for the Galactic center molecular clouds (20-25). Our results point out to molecular gas which has undergone a different degree of nuclear processing than that observed in the gas towards the inner Galactic center region. Conclusions: The high isotopic ratios are consistent with the accretion of the gas from the halo and from the outskirts of the Galactic disk.
Amo-Baladrón M. A.
Bronfman Leonard
Martín Samuel
Martín-Pintado Jesús
Mauersberger Rainer
No associations
LandOfFree
Tracing gas accretion in the Galactic center using isotopic ratios 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 Tracing gas accretion in the Galactic center using isotopic ratios, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Tracing gas accretion in the Galactic center using isotopic ratios will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-479936