Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 1999
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1999apj...511..502m&link_type=abstract
The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 511, Issue 1, pp. 502-512.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
35
Atomic Processes, Ism: Abundances, Sun: Solar Wind, Sun: Flares
Scientific paper
Contrary to a widespread assumption, deuterium is not simply destroyed in stars: deuterium is also synthesized in the atmospheres of active stars. This nonprimordial synthesis of D arises when protons accelerated in flares interact with the atmosphere, create a flux of free neutrons, and these neutrons then undergo radiative capture on atmospheric protons. Radiative capture does not result in excess production of Li, Be, or B. Ejection of flare-processed material contaminates the interstellar medium (ISM), as was originally suggested by Coleman & Worden. Estimates of the amount of flare-created D are subject to considerable uncertainties, but we find, using stellar parameters within permitted ranges, that flares may contribute significantly to the current ISM D content. Observational data indicate that different clouds of gas in the ISM exhibit variations in the value of D/H. We suggest that contamination of the ISM by D-enriched material ejected from stellar flares contributes to the observed D/H inhomogeneity. More precise estimates of the efficiency of D ejection from flares into the solar wind are required to evaluate this suggestion.
Linsky Jeffrey L.
Mullan Dermott J.
No associations
LandOfFree
Nonprimordial Deuterium in the Interstellar Medium 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 Nonprimordial Deuterium in the Interstellar Medium, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Nonprimordial Deuterium in the Interstellar Medium will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1190251