NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0212
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0212 |
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PI: T. Oka, University of Chicago, tozz@uchicago.edu
Address: Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
CoI: T. R. Geballe, Gemini Observatory
CoI: M. Goto, University of Munich
Title: Morphology and Kinematics of the Galactic Center's Central Molecular Zone and Expanding Molecular Ring
Abstract:
We propose to use GNIRS high resolution spectroscopy of H3+ and CO toward
selected dust-embedded stars in the Galactic center to (1) constrain the
physical conditions in and extent of the warm diffuse gas within the Central
Molecular Zone (CMZ) of the Galaxy and simultaneously to (2) determine the
morphology and kinematics of the Expanding Molecular Ring (EMR) located on
the outer edge of the CMZ. Our current data strongly suggest that the warm
diffuse gas fills a large fraction of the volume of the CMZ, but those data
have wide gaps in longitudinal coverage. Likewise, the current limited data
imply that the motion of the EMR is that of simple radial expansion, which is
at odds with more complex interpretations based on observations of dense
clouds in the Ring. We now have a selection of suitable stars (most of them
found using Gemini) to cover the entire longitudinal range of the CMZ/EMR
with roughly even longitudinal spacing. This will allow us to probe many well
separated sightlines passing through the CMZ and the EMR.
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 > 2013A-0212 |
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