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U.S. Department of Energy
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Observation of the 63 micrometer (O I) emission line in the Orion and Omega Nebulae

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5829380
The 63 micrometer fine structure transition P4 : 3Pl ..-->.. 3P2 for neutral atomic oxygen was obtained during a series of flights at an altitude of approximately 13.7 km. In the Orion Nebula (M42), the observed line strength was 8 x 10/sup -15/ W/cm/sup 2/, which is estimated to be approximately 0.3 o/o of the energy radiated at all wavelengths. For the Omega Nebulae (M17), the line strength was 2.4 x 10/sup -15/ W/cm/sup 2/, and the fraction of the total radiated power was slightly higher. These figures refer to a 4' x 6' field of view centered on the peak for infrared emission from each source. The uncertainty in the line strength is approximately 50% and is caused by variable water vapor absorption along the flight path of the airplane. The line position estimate is 63.2 (+0.1, -0.2) micrometer. The prime uncertainty is due to the uncertain position of the (0 I) emitting regions in the field of view.
Research Organization:
Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (USA). Center for Radiophysics and Space Research
OSTI ID:
5829380
Report Number(s):
N-79-13960
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English