Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Oct 1975
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1975apj...201...90s&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal, vol. 201, Oct. 1, 1975, pt. 1, p. 90-97.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
66
Galactic Radiation, Galactic Structure, Gamma Rays, Hydrogen, Interstellar Matter, Bremsstrahlung, Compton Effect, Cosmic Rays, Electron Decay Rate, Interstellar Gas, Radiant Flux Density, Supernovae
Scientific paper
Recent surveys of 2.6-cm CO emission and 100-MeV gamma-radiation in the galactic plane reveal a striking correlation suggesting that both emissions may be primarily proportional to the line-of-sight column density of H2 in the inner Galaxy. Both the gamma-ray and CO data suggest a prominent ring or arm consisting of cool clouds of H2 at a galactocentric distance of about 5 kpc with a mean total hydrogen density equivalent to approximately 5 atoms per cu cm. Estimates are made of column densities of H2 at 0 deg galactic longitude and are compared with estimates from infrared and X-ray absorption measurements. These estimates are all consistent, indicating that H2 is far more abundant than H I in the inner Galaxy and is the key to a more satisfactory explanation of the gamma-ray observations than previous suggestions. The importance of H2 in understanding galactic gamma-ray observations is also reflected in the correlation of galactic-latitude distribution of gamma-rays and dense dust clouds. The deduced cosmic-ray distribution inferred from the calculations is similar to that of galactic supernova remnants, suggesting a galactic origin for most cosmic rays.
Ryter Ch. E.
Scoville Nicholas Z.
Solomon Philip M.
Stecker Floyd W.
No associations
LandOfFree
Molecular hydrogen in the Galaxy and galactic gamma rays 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 Molecular hydrogen in the Galaxy and galactic gamma rays, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Molecular hydrogen in the Galaxy and galactic gamma rays will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1743506