The structure of W49 a as deduced from molecular and recombination line observations

Journal Article · Tue Mar 15 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/155089· OSTI ID:7322661

Mufson, S L; Liszt, H S

We have observed the molecular cloud complex W49 A in the lines of lambda=2.6 mm CO, lambda=2 cmH/sub 2/CO, and the recombination line H76..cap alpha... Our observations are most consistent with a picture of the complex in which a large H II region lies between tow massive molecular clouds. Using a simple hydrodynamic model, coupled with calculations of the radiative transfer in the recombination lines, we have found that many of the spectral line and continuum observations that have been obtained on this region can be naturally explained, including: (1) the multiple structure observed in the molecular lines and the single structure in the recombination lines; (2) the local standard of rest (LSR) velocities of both the molecular and recombination lines; (3) the velocity gradients observed in the lines; (4) the continuum emission from the H II region; and (5) the line widths and line-to-continuum ratios of the recombination lines.

• Research Organization: Space Sciences Laboratory, Marshall Space Flight Center
• OSTI ID: 7322661
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 212:3; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
COSMIC GASES
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FLUID MECHANICS
FLUIDS
GASES
H2 REGIONS
HYDRODYNAMICS
INTERSTELLAR SPACE
IONIZATION
MECHANICS
MOLECULES
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
SPACE
SPECTRA