C II forbidden-line 158 micron mapping in Sagittarius A Rotation curve and mass distribution in the galactic center

Journal Article · Tue Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/164379· OSTI ID:7185540

Lugten, J B; Genzel, R; Crawford, M K; Townes, C H

Based on data obtained with the NASA Kuiper Airborne Observatory 91.4 cm telescope, the 158-micron fine structure line emission of C(+) is mapped near the galactic center. The strongest emission comes from a 10-pc FWHM diameter disk centered on Sgr A West whose dominant motion is rotation. Extended C(+) emission is also found from the +50 km/s galactic center molecular cloud, and a second cloud at v(LSR) of about -35 km/s. The rotation curve and mass distribution within 10 pc of the galactic center are derived, and the C(+) profiles show a drop-off of rotation velocity between 2 and 10 pc. A mass model is suggested with 2-4 million solar masses in a central point mass, and a M/L ratio of the central stellar cluster of 0.5 solar masses/solar luminosities, suggesting a large abundance of giants and relatively recent star formation in the center. 39 references.

• Research Organization: California Univ., Berkeley
• OSTI ID: 7185540
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 306; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CARBON
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
EMISSION SPECTRA
GALAXIES
GALAXY NUCLEI
GIANT STARS
INFRARED RADIATION
MASS DISTRIBUTION
MILKY WAY
MOTION
NONMETALS
RADIATIONS
ROTATION
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
SPECTRA
STAR EVOLUTION
STARS