Highly Excited Molecular Hydrogen in Orion

Abstract

Observations of H2 lines in the IR have been mostly restricted to those with upper levels of low energy, which can be excited either collisionally in shocks or radiatively by UV starlight. In order to discriminate between the two excitation mechanisms we have measured in 11 μm range lines of the v=2-0 band arising from high rotational levels J≤;13. Their intensities, together with those of the IR lines, allow an estimate of the line of sight effective extinction and a determination of the rotational temperature measuring their joint degree of excitation. The latter parameter provides information about the energy state of the molecules at their formation and ejection from grain surfaces and thus constrains the hypothetical models for H2 molecule formation.