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At least 343 records · Page 19

Far-infrared emission line spectroscopy of planetary nebulae from the KAO

The main focus of the overall project was to study the properties of planetary nebulae using far-infrared emission lines. The observations were conducted with the 'cooled grating spectrometer' or CGS, a moderate-resolution echelle spectrometer designed and built at the Ames Research Center. During the first few years of the program, the emphasis was on emission lines of doubly-ionized oxygen and nitrogen ((O III) 52 and 88 microns, (N III) 57 microns), which arise in the ionized regions of the nebulae. Starting around 1989, our emphasis shifted to observing fine-structure lines of neutral oxygen and singly-ionized carbon ((O I) 63 and 145 microns, (C II) 157 microns), which arise from predominantly neutral material outside the ionized regions. This program was typically assigned one or two observing flights per year. Because these studies required obtaining a substantial sample of objects in order to reach meaningful conclusions, publication of comprehensive papers summarizing all of the results is still pending. However, numerous interim reports based on the airborne results as well as on closely-related supporting observations have been published during the grant period. The bibliographic information for these reports is given in the publications section. An overall summary of the planetary nebula results was presented at the Airborne Astronomy Symposium (20th Anniversary of the KAO) on 8 July 1994; reprints will be provided when available. In parallel with the planetary nebula study, we also observed the (O III) and (N III) lines in several H II regions, and attempted (unsuccessfully) to detect these lines in several old nova remnants and the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A.

Dinerstein, Harriet L.↗

Laser action in far-infrared astrophysical sources

Employing new atomic data and a 15 level collisional-radiative model, it is shown that population inversion, and consequent laser action, can be achieved in far-infrared (FIR) lines (C II) 157 micrometer, (N III) 58 micrometer, (O IV) 26 micrometer, (Ne VI) 7.6 micrometer, and (Mg VIII) 3 micrometer. Coupling of the lasting transition 2s(sup 2)2p((sup 2)P(sup o sub 3/2)-(sup 2)P(sup o sub 1/2)) to higher energy levels of the 2s2p(sup 2) configuration in boron-like ions provides the dominant pumping flux. Lasing column lengths are found to be l approximately equal 10(exp -4)-1.0 pcs, at T(sub e) approximately equal 10(exp 4)-10(exp 6) K, N(sub e) approximately equal 10(exp 4)-10(exp 10)/cu cm, conditions and sizes prevalent in broad-line regions of active-galactic nuclei and novae. Detectable emission fluxes are estimated. Lasing activity in the source could significantly affect abundance determinations. The FIR line emission should be readily observable with the upcoming Infrared Space Observatory.

Peng, Jianfang↗

Rocket-borne instrument for observations of near-infrared and far-infrared extended astrophysical emission

We give a detailed description of the design and flight performance of an instrument onboard the S-520-15 rocket of the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science. The isntrument, consisting of a near-infrared spectrometer and a far-infrared photometer at the focus of a 10 cm liquid-helium cooled telescope, was designed to observe both the brightness and distribution of diffuse emission with high sensitivity. The rocket was successfully launched and the instrument observed near-infrared and far-infrared continuum emission, as well as (C II) 157.7 micrometer line emission from regions at high Galactic latitude. We also give a brief description of the design and performance of an onboard attitude control system.

Matsuhara, Hideo↗

A search for chromospheric emission in A-type stars using the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph

We have used the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to search for chromospheric emission in the ultraviolet C II 1335 A lines of eight A-type stars. The B-V colors of these stars range from 0.12 to 0.22. We have detected emission in the spectrum of the A7 V star Altair, but in no other star. We present tentative evidence that the emission from Altair is blueshifted by approximately 60 km per sec or more with respect to the photospheric spectrum of this star. We interpret this as expansion and suggest that the base of the A star winds that we have proposed in earlier work may lie within the chromosphere. Together with International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) spectra, our observations indicate that in ordinary main-sequence stars the onset of convection zones capable of supporting detectable chromospheres occurs in the close vicinity of B-V = 0.22.

Simon, Theodore↗

Carbon in photon dominated regions: C II/C I/CO observations of NGC 2024

We present observations of the large-scale distribution of the major forms of carbon, neutral and singly ionized atomic carbon and carbon monoxide, in the NGC 2024/Orion B cloud. The overall extent and morphology of the different types of emission are similar, consistent with a picture in which the atomic carbon lies on the UV-illuminated surfaces of molecular clumps throughout the cloud. However, emission from ionized carbon extends considerably farther to the west than the CO emission. Integrated over the region mapped in the 158 mu m (C II) line, about half of the gas-phase carbon is in a form other than CO.

Jaffe, Dan T.↗

Far-infrared emission lines from planetary nebulae

The line trio (O III) 52, 88 microns, (N III) 57 microns has been measured in a number of planetary nebulae (PNe) and used to determine nebular properties such as density, temperature, and N/O abundance. The N/O ratios, which are elevated in many PNe due to nuclear processing in the progenitor star, agree well with optical determinations. The (O I) 63 micron line has been detected in about a dozen PNe, demonstrating the ubiquity of neutral envelopes. Measurements of (O I) 63, 146 microns and (C II) 158 microns, the primary cooling lines from the ionized/neutral interface zone or photodissociation region (PDR), have been made for six PNe. The line strengths indicate that the line-emitting regions are warm (T greater than or equal to 500 K), dense (log n greater than or equal to 4), and contain of order 0.1 solar masses.

Dinerstein, Harriet L.↗

New insights into nonradiative heating in late A star chromospheres

Using new and archival spectra from the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph, we have searched for evidence of chromospheric and transition region emission in six stars of mid to late A spectral type. Two of the stars, alpha Aq1 (A7 IV-V) and alpha Cep (A7 IV-V), show emission in the C II 1335 A doublet, confirming the presence of hot plasma with temperatures comparable to that of the solar transition region. Using radiative equilibrium photospheric models, we estimate the net surface fluxes in the CII emission line to be 9.4 x 10(exp 4) ergs/sq cm/s for alpha Aq1 and 6.5 x 10(exp 4)ergs/sq cm/s for alpha Cep. These are comparable to fluxes observed in stars as hot as approximately 8000 K (B-V = 0.22). We find no evidence for the blueshifted emission reported by Simon et al. (1994). We estimate the basal flux level to be about 30% of that seen in early F stars, and that the bulk of the emission is not basal in origin. We conclude that the basal flux level drops rapidly for B-V approximately less than 0.3, but that magnetic activity may persist to B-v as small as 0.22.

Walter, Frederick M.↗

PDR modeling of the LWS fine-structure lines in ultraluminous galaxies

The observations performed onboard the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) long wavelength spectrometer (LWS) on the fine structure lines in ultraluminous galaxies are reported on. The C II 158 micrometer, the O I 63 and 146 micrometer fine structure lines were detected. These lines were compared to the results of the revised theoretical models of extragalactic photodissociation regions (PDRs). The PDR origin of the fine structure lines and the physical properties of the PDR component are discussed.

Luhman, M. L.↗

Far Infrared Line Profiles from Photodissociation Regions and Warm Molecular Clouds

This report summarizes the work done under NASA Grant NAG2-1056 awarded to the University of Colorado. The aim of the project was to analyze data obtained over the past several years with the University of Colorado far-infrared heterodyne spectrometer (Betz Boreiko 1993) aboard the Kuiper Airborne Observatory. Of particular interest were observations of CO and ionized carbon (C II) in photodissociation regions (PDRS) at the interface between UV-ionized H II regions and the neutral molecular clouds supporting star formation. These data, obtained with a heterodyne spectrometer having a resolution of 3.2 MHz, which is equivalent to a velocity resolution of 0.2 km/s at 60 microns and 1.0 km/s at 300 microns, were analyzed to obtain physical parameters such as density and temperature in the observed PDR. The publication resulting from the work reported here is appended. No inventions were made nor was any federally owned property acquired as a result of the activities under this grant.

Boreiko, R. T.↗

Far Infrared Line Profiles from Photodissociation Regions and Warm Molecular Clouds

This report summarizes the work done under NASA Grant NAG2-1056 awarded to the University of Colorado. The aim of the project was to analyze data obtained over the past several years with the University of Colorado far-infrared heterodyne spectrometer (Betz & Boreiko 1993) aboard the Kuiper Airborne Observatory. Of particular interest were observations of CO and ionized carbon (C II) in photodissociation regions (PDRs) at the interface between UV-ionized H II regions and the neutral molecular clouds supporting star formation. These data, obtained with a heterodyne spectrometer having a resolution of 3.2 MHz, which is equivalent to a velocity resolution of 0.2 km/s at 60 microns and 1.0 km/s at 300 microns, were analyzed to obtain physical parameters such as density and temperature in the observed PDR. The publication resulting from the work reported here is appended. No inventions were made nor was any federally owned property acquired as a result of the activities under this grant.

Boreiko, R. T.↗

Far Infrared Line Profiles from Photodissociation Regions and Warm Molecular Clouds

This report summarizes the work done under NASA Grant NAG2-1056 awarded to the University of Colorado. The aim of the project was to analyze data obtained over the past several years with the University of Colorado far-infrared heterodyne spectrometer aboard the Kuiper Airborne Observatory. Of particular interest were observations of CO and ionized carbon (C II) in photodissociation regions (PDRS) at the interface between UV-ionized H II regions and the neutral molecular clouds supporting star formation. These data, obtained with a heterodyne spectrometer having a resolution of 3.2 MHz, which is equivalent to a velocity resolution of 0.2 km s(exp -1) at 60 microns and 1.0 km s(exp -1) at 300 microns, were analyzed to obtain physical parameters such as density and temperature in the observed PDR.

Boreiko, R. T.↗

The Far-Infrared Spectrum of Arp 220

ISO/LWS grating observations of the ultraluminous infrared galaxy Arp 220 shows absorption in molecular lines of OH, H 2 0 , CH, NH, and "3, well as in the [0 I] 63 pm line and emission in the [C 111 158 pm line. We have modeled the continuum and the emission/absorption of all observed features by means of a non-local radiative transfer code. The continuum from 25 to 1300 pm is modeled AS A WARM (106 K) NUCLEAR REGION THAT IS OPTICALLY THICK IN THE FAR-INFRARED, attenuated by an extended region (size 2") that is heated mainly through absorption of nuclear infrared radiation. The molecular absorption in the nuclear region is characterized by high excitation due to the high infrared radiation density. The OH column densities are high toward the nucleus and the extended region (about 2 x 10 sup 17 cm sup-2). The H2O column density is also high toward the nucleus (2 - 10 x 1017 cm-2) and lower in the extended region. The column densities in a halo that accounts for the absorption by the lowest lying levels are similar to what are found in the diffuse clouds toward the star forming regions in the Sgr B2 molecular cloud complex near the Galactic Center. Most notable are the high column densities found for NH and NH3 toward the nucleus, with values of about 1.5 x 10supl6 cmsup-2 and about 3 x 10supl6 cmsup-2, respectively, whereas the NH2 column density is lower than about 2 x 10sup15 cmsup-2. A combination of PDRs in the extended region and hot cores with enhanced H20 photodissociation and a possible shock contribution in the nuclei may explain the relative column densities of OH and H20, whereas the nitrogen chemistry may be strongly affected by cosmic ray ionization. The [C II] 158 pm line is well reproduced by our models and its "deficit" relative to the CII/FIR ratio in normal and starburst galaxies is suggested to be mainly a consequence of the dominant non-PDR component of far- infrared radiation, ALTHOUGH OUR MODELS ALONE CANNOT RULE OUT EXTINCTION EFFECTS IN THE NUCLEI.

Gonzalez-Alfonso, Eduardo↗

FUSE Observations of Galactic and Intrinsic Absorption in the Spectrum of the Seyfert 1 Galaxy 2MASX J21362313-6224008

We present the far-ultraviolet spectrum of the Seyfert 1 galaxy 2MASX J21362313-6224008 obtained with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE). The spectrum features absorption from Galactic O VI at two velocities and redshifted H I Ly beta and gamma, C II, CIII, and O VI. The redshifted absorption features represent a single kinematic component blueshifted by approx. 310 km/s relative to the active galactic nucleus. We use photoionization models to derive constraints on the physical parameters of the absorbing gas. An alternative interpretation for the absorption lines is also proposed, wherein the absorbing gas is associated with an intervening galaxy cluster.

Bonamente, Massimiliano↗

Simultaneous FUSE, HST, and Chandra Observations or Intrinsic Absorbers in NGC 7469 and MRK 279

We obtained FUSE observations of NGC 7469 on 2002 Dec 13 & 14. The two exposures totaled only 7 ks. The observations only have good data in one channel, LiF1, due to channel alignment problems. These observations were obtained simultaneously with high-quality HST/STIS and Chandra HETG spectra. The previously known O VI absorption lines in the FUSE spectrum are detected at good signal to noise ratio, and a wide array of other intrinsic absorption lines are visible in the X-ray spectrum and in the STIS spectrum. Compared to prior FUSE observations, the continuum flux for this observation was 50% lower. We see the effects of this in the lowest-velocity O VI absorber, which we associate with the X-ray absorbing gas also detected in this object. This O VI absorber has only a 50% covering fraction, consistent with its covering only the continuum in this source, and its strength and inferred column density increased as the continuum flux of NGC 7469 decreased. This is consistent with the recombination expected from photoionization models of the highly ionized gas. We obtained FUSE observations of Mrk 279 on 2002 May 18. As for NGC 7469, channel alignment problems led to good data being present only in LiFl. While we obtained a much longer integration on the target than planned (47.4 ks vs. 31 ks requested), the UV flux was down a factor of 10 or more from previous HST and FUSE observations, and our wavelength coverage was restricted due to the channel alignment problems. These data still cover the important O VI emission line and absorption lines in Mrk 279. The FUSE flux also agrees well with the simultaneous HST STIS data, which have good signal to noise. We have also analyzed FUSE observations made at three earlier epochs. We detect the Fe K-alpha emission line in the Chandra spectrum, and its flux is consistent with the low X-ray continuum flux level of Mrk 279 at the time of the observation. Because of low signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) in the Chandra spectrum, no O VII or O VIII absorption features are observable in the Chandra data, but the UV spectra reveal strong and complex absorption from H I and high-ionization species such as O VI, N V, and C IV, as well as from low-ionization species such as C III, N III, C II, and N II in some velocity components. The far-UV spectral coverage of the FUSE data provides information on high-order Lyman series absorption, which we use to calculate the optical depths and line and continuum covering fractions in the intrinsic H I absorbing gas in a self-consistent fashion. Based on the velocities, profile shapes, covering fractions and variability of the UV absorption, we conclude that some of the absorption components, particularly those showing prominent low-ionization lines, are likely associated with the host galaxy of Mrk 279, and possibly with its interaction with a close companion galaxy, while the remainder arises in a nuclear outflow.

Sonneborn, George↗

Probing Pre-Galactic Metal Enrichment with High-Redshift Gamma-Ray Bursts

We explore high-redshift gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) as promising tools to probe pre-galactic metal enrichment. We utilize the bright afterglow of a Population III (Pop III) GRB exploding in a primordial dwarf galaxy as a luminous background source, and calculate the strength of metal absorption lines that are imprinted by the first heavy elements in the intergalactic medium (IGM). To derive the GRB absorption line diagnostics, we use an existing highly resolved simulation of the formation of a first galaxy which is characterized by the onset of atomic hydrogen cooling in a halo with virial temperature approximately greater than10(exp 4) K.We explore the unusual circumburst environment inside the systems that hosted Pop III stars, modeling the density evolution with the self-similar solution for a champagne flow. For minihalos close to the cooling threshold, the circumburst density is roughly proportional to (1 + z) with values of about a few cm(exp −3). In more massive halos, corresponding to the first galaxies, the density may be larger, n approximately greater than100 cm(exp −3). The resulting afterglow fluxes are weakly dependent on redshift at a fixed observed time, and may be detectable with the James Webb Space Telescope and Very Large Array in the near-IR and radio wavebands, respectively, out to redshift z approximately greater than 20. We predict that the maximum of the afterglow emission shifts from near-IR to millimeter bands with peak fluxes from mJy to Jy at different observed times. The metal absorption line signature is expected to be detectable in the near future. GRBs are ideal tools for probing the metal enrichment in the early IGM, due to their high luminosities and featureless power-law spectra. The metals in the first galaxies produced by the first supernova (SN) explosions are likely to reside in low-ionization stages (C II, O I, Si II and Fe II). We show that, if the afterglow can be observed sufficiently early, analysis of the metal lines may distinguish whether the first heavy elements were produced in a pair-instability supernova or a core-collapse (Type II) SN, thus constraining the initial mass function of the first stars.

Metal↗

SOFIA/FIFI-LS spectroscopy of Gy 3-7 cluster in the Outer Galaxy

Star formation is ubiquitous in the Galaxy, but the physical and chemical conditions in star-forming sites might differ as a function of Galactocentric radius. For example, due to the negative metallicity gradient, the efficiency of gas cooling and dust shielding is expected to decrease in the outer Galaxy. Here, we present the SOFIA/FIFI-LS mapping observations toward the Gy 3-7 cluster in the Canis Major star-forming region covering highly excited CO lines from J =14-13 up to 30-29, [C II] at 158 µ m, and [O I] at 63 and 145 µm. The CO rotational temperature of ∼ 200 K toward two dense cores is similar to other Galactic star-forming regions of similar masses. On the other hand, the ratio of total line emission in CO versus [O I], a tracer of metallicity, is comparable to star-forming regions in the Magellanic Clouds. Thus, Gy 3-7 is a suitable target to quantify the impact of low metallicity on star formation.

Ngan Le↗

Carbon-loud SDSS BOSS type II quasars at z > 2: high-density gas or secondary production of carbon?

ABSTRACT We study the ultraviolet (UV) emission-line ratios of a sample of 145 type II quasars (QSO2s) from Sloan Digital Sky Survey iii Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey, and compare against a grid of active galactic nucleus (AGN) photoionization models with a range in gas density, gas chemical abundances, and ionization parameter. Most of the quasars are ‘carbon-loud’, with C iv/He ii ratios that are unusually high for the narrow-line region, implying higher than expected gas density (>106 cm−3) and/or significantly supersolar-relative carbon abundance. We also find that solar or supersolar nitrogen abundance and metallicity are required in the majority of our sample, with potentially significant variation between objects. Compared to radio galaxies at similar redshifts (HzRGs; z > 2), the QSO2s are offset to higher N v/He ii, C iv/He ii, and C iii]/He ii, suggesting systematically higher gas density and/or systematically higher C and N abundances. We find no evidence for a systematic difference in the N/C abundance ratio between the two types of objects. Scatter in the N iv]/C iv ratio implies a significant scatter in the N/C abundance ratio among the QSO2s and HzRGs, consistent with differences in the chemical enrichment histories between objects. Interestingly, we find that adopting secondary behaviour for both N and C alleviates the long-standing ‘N iv] problem’. A subset of the QSO2s and HzRGs also appear to be ‘silicon-loud’, with Si iii] relative fluxes suggesting Si/C and Si/O are an order of magnitude above their solar values. Finally, we propose new UV-line criteria to select genuine QSO2s with low-density narrow-line regions.

Silva, M.↗

The ultraviolet spectrum of the planetary nebula Vy 2-2

New ultraviolet short-wavelength (SWP) IUE observations for the proto-planetary nebula Vy 2-2 were obtained in the low-dispersion mode. An exposure of 400-min duration reveals a weak stellar continuum and several definite emission lines as well as a number of absorption features. Emission features of semiforbidden C III, semiforbidden Si III, and forbidden Ne III are clearly observed, while C IV, Si II, and possibly C II appear in absorption. Emission features of He II, semiforbidden O III, and Al III are also indicated, though less certain. The UV spectrum tends to confirm that Vy 2-2 is a young, dense planetary nebula excited by a central star with T(eff) greater than 60,000 K.

Feibelman, Walter A.↗