Detection of the OH Zeeman effect toward Orion A

Journal Article · Thu May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/184670· OSTI ID:5199450

Troland, T H; Crutcher, R M; Kazes, I

The Zeeman effect in the 18 cm OH absorption spectrum of Orion A is detected. From this effect, a line-of-sight magnetic field strength of - 125 + or - 20 is derived. At the same position, an H I Zeeman effect equivalent to a magnetic field of - 49 + or - 4 micro-G is found. Thus, the magnetic field in the molecular gas toward Orion A is significantly stronger than that in the atomic gas, contrary to the recent determination for the Cas A line of sight. Densities in the atomic and molecular regions toward Orion A are estimated and it is found that for this region the data are consistent with B proportional to n exp kappa, kappa = 0.3. 23 references.

• Research Organization: Illinois Univ., Urbana; Paris Observatoire, Meudon, France; Kentucky Univ., Lexington
• OSTI ID: 5199450
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 304; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640103* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Quasi-Stellar
Radio
& X-Ray Sources-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ABSORPTION SPECTRA
COSMIC GASES
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
FLUIDS
GASES
H2 REGIONS
HYDROXYL RADICALS
INTERSTELLAR MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
RADICALS
SPECTRA
ZEEMAN EFFECT