Airborne observations of the Orion molecular hydrogen emission spectrum

Journal Article · Sun Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/160157· OSTI ID:6769962

Davis, D S; Larson, H P; Smith, H A

We have observed the Orion near-IR H/sub 2/ emission spectrum from an altitude of 12.5 km in order to measure line intensities free from interference by terrestrial H/sub 2/O. Three new transitions (H n = 6..-->..4 and H/sub 2/ v = 1..-->..0 O(2) and Q(7)) have been detected. Analysis of the data indicate that earlier estimates of source extinction, temperature, and luminosity are all too high. We find E/sub 2.1-2.4/ ..mu..m = 0.59 +- 0.06, T(v = 1) = 1540 +- 100 K and L2(vib) = 200--400 L. There is strong evidence for an anomalous 3.5:1 ortho/para H/sub 2/ abundance ratio for the excited H/sub 2/. Line luminosities and line-of-sight position constraints support a mass outflow model for the emission region. Subject headings: infrared: spectra: interstellar: molecules: nebulae: Orion Nebula

• Research Organization: Steward Observatory, University of Arizona
• OSTI ID: 6769962
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 259:1; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
DATA ANALYSIS
ELEMENTS
EMISSION SPECTRA
ENERGY-LEVEL TRANSITIONS
FUNCTIONS
HYDROGEN
INFRARED SPECTRA
LUMINOSITY
MOLECULES
NEBULAE
NONMETALS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SPECTRA
SPECTRAL FUNCTIONS