On the origin of the diffuse C(+) 158 micron line emission

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (126) References (44) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS On the Origin of the Diffuse C + 158 Micron Line Emission Heiles, Carl Abstract We consider the relative importance of three types of region as global sources of the diffuse C(+) 158 micron emission in the Galactic interior. We find that they rank as follows: the extended low-density warm ionized medium (ELDWIM) ranks first in importance, the cold neutral medium (CNM) ranks second, and photodissociation regions (PDRs) rank third. Above a threshold intensity, we interpret the data as showing that the C(+) line is well correlated with other tracers of the ELDWIM. The C(+) intensity below the threshold is easily accounted for by the CNM. PDRs must also contribute. These conclusions should also apply to the inner portions of many external nonstarburst galaxies. The opacity of the C(+) line over long lines of sight in the Galactic plane is not negligible. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: December 1994 DOI: 10.1086/174945 Bibcode: 1994ApJ...436..720H Keywords: Carbon; Cations; Emission Spectra; Galactic Nuclei; Infrared Astronomy; Infrared Spectra; Interstellar Matter; Line Spectra; Astronomical Spectroscopy; Diffuse Radiation; Photodissociation; Astronomy; COSMOLOGY: DIFFUSE RADIATION; INFRARED: ISM: LINES AND BANDS; ISM: GENERAL full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (5)