Probing the Interstellar Medium Using H [CSC]i[/CSC] Absorption and Emission toward the W3 H [CSC]ii[/CSC] Region

Abstract

H I spectra toward the W3 H II complex are presented and used to probe the Galactic structure and interstellar medium conditions between us and this region. The overall shape of the spectra is consistent with the predictions of the Two-Arm Spiral Shock model wherein the gas found in the -40 to -50 km s-1 range has been accelerated by some 20 km s-1 from its rotation curve velocity. Spin temperatures of ∼100 K are derived for the Local Arm gas, lower than found in a previous, similar study toward DR 7. For the interarm region, values on the order of 300 K are found, implying a negligible filling factor for the cold neutral medium (≪1%). Some of the absorbing gas at velocities near -40 km s-1 is confirmed to be associated with the H II regions.