18-cm OH distribution in the Galactic Center Torus
The 18-cm OH distribution in the Galactic Center region near Sgr A has been studied in all four of the 1612, 1665, 1667 and 1720 MHz OH lines using the VLA with 4 arcsec angular resolution and 9 km s/sup -1/ velocity resolution. Three 1667 MHz OH spectral line absorption maps, at +51, +25 and -1 km s/sup -1/, covering a 4'.3 x 4'.3 region around Sgr A are presented together with an 18-cm continuum map. In addition, a complete set of velocity maps from +139 to -159 km s/sup -1/, covering a 3' x 3' region around the Galactic Center nuclear torus, is presented. Absorption by the +50 and +20 km s/sup -1/ molecular cloud belt is seen towards Sgr A East, but not towards Sgr A West. Absorption is also seen towards Sgr A* in the velocity ranges of +43 to -36 km s/sup -1/ and -142 to -151 km s/sup -1/. The Northeast and Southwest torus components can be traced out to velocities of +139 and -151 km s/sup -1/. A ''Northwest'' feature, starting northwest of the Western continuum arc, appears faintly at a velocity of +51 km s/sup -1/ and then migrates slightly southward until it merges with another feature at a velocity of +78 km s/sup -1/. This other feature ''Sweeps'' in towards Sgr A* as the velocity decreases from +78 to +16 km s/sup -1/.
- Research Organization:
- Stockholm Observatory, S-133 00 Saltsjoebaden, Sweden
- OSTI ID:
- 7149868
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8610211-
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conf. Proc.; (United States), Journal Name: AIP Conf. Proc.; (United States) Vol. 155:1; ISSN APCPC
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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