NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0194
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0194 |
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PI: Takeshi Oka, University of Chicago, t-oka@uchicago.edu
Address: Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
CoI: Tom Geballe, Gemini Observatory - North
CoI: Nick Indriolo, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
CoI: Ben McCall, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
CoI: Miwa Goto, Max Planck Institutue for Astronomy - Heidelberg
CoI: Tomonori Usuda, Subaru Telescope, NAOJ
Title: Continued Exploration of the Galactic Center's Central Molecular Zone by H3+ Spectroscopy
Abstract:
Following up on our great progress at the Gemini South toward characterizing
the newly discovered warm diffuse component of the Central Molecular Zone
(CMZ) of the Galaxy with CO and H3+ spectroscopy, we propose to complete the
basic observations using GNIRS on Gemini North during 2011A (and beyond if
necessary). The revealing CO and H3+ spectra obtained with Phoenix at Gemini
South on new and much more widespread sightlines through the CMZ, especially
those obtained in 2009A and 2010A, are consistent with our interpretation,
based on earlier data, that warm diffuse gas in the CMZ, discovered less than
ten years ago, is very extensive and perhaps has a larger filling factor than
any other gaseous environment there. However, to definitively test this
conclusion it is essential observe on additional sightlines widely spaced
through the CMZ. These additional key sightlines have yet to be observed in
CO and in any H3+ lines, including in particular one key H3+ line, which
serves as a thermometer. That line is coincident in wavelength with telluric
lines of H2O that are strong and variable on Cerro Pachon; it is much more
readily observable on Mauna Kea.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0194 |
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