Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2005-08-23
Astrophys.J.631:L53-L56,2005
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
9 pages, accepted for publication in APJL
Scientific paper
10.1086/497139
Recent X-ray observations by the space mission Chandra confirmed the astonishing evidence for a diffuse, hot, thermal plasma at a temperature of 9. $10^7$ K (8 keV) found by previous surveys to extend over a few hundred parsecs in the Galactic Centre region. This plasma coexists with the usual components of the interstellar medium such as cold molecular clouds and a soft (~0.8 keV) component produced by supernova remnants, and its origin remains uncertain. First, simple calculations using a mean sound speed for a hydrogen-dominated plasma have suggested that it should not be gravitationally bound, and thus requires a huge energy source to heat it in less than the escape time. Second, an astrophysical mechanism must be found to generate such a high temperature. No known source has been identified to fulfill both requirements. Here we address the energetics problem and show that the hot component could actually be a gravitationally confined helium plasma. We illustrate the new prospects this opens by discussing the origin of this gas, and by suggesting possible heating mechanisms.
Belmont Renaud
Cowley Stan
Morris Marita
Muno Michael
Tagger Michel
No associations
LandOfFree
A Hot Helium Plasma in the Galactic Center Region 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 A Hot Helium Plasma in the Galactic Center Region, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Hot Helium Plasma in the Galactic Center Region will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-165467