Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Nov 1997
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997phdt.........4l&link_type=abstract
Thesis (PHD). CORNELL UNIVERSITY , Source DAI-B 58/05, p. 2469, Nov 1997, 203 pages.
Mathematics
Logic
1
Infrared, Thermal Arches, Sgr A West, Stellar Illumination
Scientific paper
We present a description of our instrument KWIC (Kuiper Widefield Infrared Camera) and observations of the Galactic Center with KWIC and SpectroCam-10. KWIC is a far-infrared camera/spectrometer designed for use in the 18-40 μm range. The detector is a 128 x 128 array which provides a large field of view and pixels smaller than the diffraction limit. The spectral resolution is achieved by two Fabry-Perot interferometers, one of which can be moved in and out of the beam to change resolutions. Observations were made of the Thermal Arches and Sgr A West in the Galactic Center. The Thermal Arches are long thin structures north of the Galactic Center. Prior observations suggest stellar illumination of the arches, but since in situ star formation is problematic due to morphology and age requirements, external ionization appeared more likely. However, our results strongly support internal ionization of the arches. The associated morphological and age problems can be solved if the arches are composed of tidally stretched star clusters contained in molecular clouds on plausible orbits around the Galactic Center. The true structure of Sgr A West and dissimilar observations in radio continuum and molecular tracers were not well understood. Our data, however, shows clearly both the ring and mini-spiral and provides detailed morphological and physical information on these structures. Sgr A west is clearly heated by the extremely bright stars in the central cluster, and the arms of the mini-spiral are tidally stretched clouds passing the Galactic Center, with the eastern arm most likely ~85o out of the plane of the ring. The slightly elliptical (e = 0.07) ring has a 1.5 pc inner radius, is 0.4 pc thick, is tilted 65o to our line of sight, and consists of 0.08 to 0.4 pc clumps. The central luminosity totals ~2.3×107 L&sun;, and unusually high 30 to 40 μm dust emissivites are observed. We conclude that the eastern ring is fainter in the infrared, and invisible in the radio because the northern arm blocks radiation from the central cluster. Finally, a computer model shows the proposed structure of the ring and mini-spiral is consistent with the observations.
No associations
LandOfFree
High Spatial Resolution Mid and Far-Infrared Imaging of the Galactic Center 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 High Spatial Resolution Mid and Far-Infrared Imaging of the Galactic Center, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and High Spatial Resolution Mid and Far-Infrared Imaging of the Galactic Center will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-925780