ISO-[CII]-Investigation of Cool HI Clouds in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Abstract

Despite a strong UV radiation field, the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) shows a relatively large abundance of cool HI gas. Neither CO- nor [CII]-lines have been detected in most of these regions in previous surveys. The energy balance of these cool clouds, of which some are located in warm surroundings, is still an open question. The improved resolution and sensitivity of the ISO telescope compared to previous measurements offers a unique opportunity to study the heating and cooling of these clouds in the LMC. Here we present first results of an investigation of the dominant cooling line, [CII] (158 μm), toward cool HI clouds.