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Remarks on the overall distribution of hydrogen in the galactic diskSeveral current problems concerning the overall distribution of hydrogen in the galaxy are discussed in general terms. These problems include the degree of saturation characterizing low-latitude emission observations of HI, and the optical-depth corrections to the derived column and volume densities; the amount of fine-scale velocity and spatial structure diluted by the instrumental limitations of the presently available surveys; and the general problem of detailed mapping of the HI in the galaxy. Comparison is made between the distribution of HI and that of CO and several other galactic tracers. The galactic disk as defined by atomic hydrogen has a diameter fully twice as large as that defined by the ionized and molecular states of hydrogen, as well as by other molecules, supernova remnants, pulsars, gamma radiation, synchroton radiation, and the youngest stars. It is also less confined to the galactic equator than most of the other constituents. The degree of small-scale structure apparent in the molecular observations is much greater than in the HI observations. Parameters describing the small-scale structure were determined using Monte Carlo techniques to simulate the observations.
Document ID
19760022035
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Burton, W. B.
(National Radio Astronomy Observatory Green Bank, WV, United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Goddard Space Flight Center The Struct. and Content of the Galaxy and Galactic Gamma Rays
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
76N29123
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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