ISOTOPIC RATIOS OF {sup 18}O/{sup 17}O IN THE GALACTIC CENTRAL REGION
- Center for Astrophysics, GuangZhou University, GuangZhou, 510006 (China)
- Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie, Auf dem Hügel 69, D-53121 Bonn (Germany)
- Purple Mountain Observatory, Qinghai Station, 817000 Delingha (China)
- Department of Physics, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (China)
- Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 80 Nandan Road, Shanghai, 200030 (China)
The {sup 18}O/{sup 17}O isotopic ratio of oxygen is a crucial measure of the secular enrichment of the interstellar medium by ejecta from high-mass versus intermediate-mass stars. So far, however, there is a lack of data, particularly from the Galactic center (GC) region. Therefore, we have mapped typical molecular clouds in this region in the J = 1–0 lines of C{sup 18}O and C{sup 17}O with the Delingha 13.7 m telescope (DLH). Complementary pointed observations toward selected positions throughout the GC region were obtained with the IRAM 30 m and Mopra 22 m telescopes. C{sup 18}O/C{sup 17}O abundance ratios reflecting the {sup 18}O/{sup 17}O isotope ratios were obtained from integrated intensity ratios of C{sup 18}O and C{sup 17}O. For the first time, C{sup 18}O/C{sup 17}O abundance ratios are determined for Sgr C (V ∼ −58 km s{sup −1}), Sgr D (V ∼ 80 km s{sup −1}), and the 1.°3 complex (V ∼ 80 km s{sup −1}). Through our mapping observations, abundance ratios are also obtained for Sgr A (∼0 and ∼50 km s{sup −1} component) and Sgr B2 (∼60 km s{sup −1}), which are consistent with the results from previous single-point observations. Our frequency-corrected abundance ratios of the GC clouds range from 2.58 ± 0.07 (Sgr D, V ∼ 80 km s{sup −1}, DLH) to 3.54 ± 0.12 (Sgr A, ∼50 km s{sup −1}). In addition, strong narrow components (line width less than 5 km s{sup −1}) from the foreground clouds are detected toward Sgr D (−18 km s{sup −1}), the 1.°3 complex (−18 km s{sup −1}), and M+5.3−0.3 (22 km s{sup −1}), with a larger abundance ratio around 4.0. Our results show a clear trend of lower C{sup 18}O/C{sup 17}O abundance ratios toward the GC region relative to molecular clouds in the Galactic disk. Furthermore, even inside the GC region, ratios appear not to be uniform. The low GC values are consistent with an inside-out formation scenario for our Galaxy.
- OSTI ID:
- 22520160
- Journal Information:
- Astrophysical Journal, Supplement Series, Vol. 219, Issue 2; Other Information: Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0067-0049
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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