H2 and CO Absorption from a Dark Cloud at Z = 3.04

Details H2 and CO Absorption from a Dark Cloud at Z = 3.04 H2 and CO Absorption from a Dark Cloud at Z = 3.04

Jan 2009

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009aas...21348511s&link_type=abstract

American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #213, #485.11; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 41, p.457

Other

Scientific paper

Keck/LRIS spectra of GRB 080607 were obtained a short time (20m) following the initial SWIFT alert. These reveal numerous atomic transitions as well as prominent absorption features that can be identified as belonging to molecular carriers. In particular, H2 is represented by a series of Lyman and Werner bands to the blue of 1115 A (rest λ), whereas CO shows at least 7 A-X bands with indication for a couple of Rydberg bands blended with H2 absorption. Excitation analysis of the CO demonstrates that rotational levels up to at least J = 20 are populated, presumably owing to significant pumping by GRB photons. Initial modeling returns high enough molecular column densities that qualify the medium as a dark molecular cloud, the first to be detected at high redshift. This classification is consistent with the derived extinction (AV 3 mag) and the CO to H2 abundance ratio of 10-4. Other possible molecular features that may belong to C2 and CH are being investigated. The presence of dense molecular material is consistent with the expected star-forming environment in galaxies that produce GRB events. However, the rare detection of such seems to be related to the exceptionally luminous nature of 080607.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

H2 and CO Absorption from a Dark Cloud at Z = 3.04 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 H2 and CO Absorption from a Dark Cloud at Z = 3.04, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and H2 and CO Absorption from a Dark Cloud at Z = 3.04 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1710615