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Spectral distortions of the cosmic microwave background

Journal Article · · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/167773· OSTI ID:5246719
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Cambridge, MA (USA)
Recent experiments indicate that the spectrum of the cosmic microwave background deviates from a pure blackbody; here, spectral distortions produced by cosmic dust are considered. The main result is that cosmic dust in conjunction with an injected radiation field (perhaps produced by an early generation of very massive stars) can explain the observed spectral distortions without violating existing cosmological constraints. In addition, it is shown that Compton y-distortions can also explain the observed spectral shape, but the energetic requirements are more severe. 41 refs.
OSTI ID:
5246719
Journal Information:
Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 344; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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