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Ultraviolet absorption lines associated with the Vela supernova remnantTwo stars behind the Vela supernova remnant and two stars offset from the remnant have been observed with the UV spectrometer aboard the Copernicus satellite. Over 200 interstellar atomic and molecular absorption features between 1000 and 1400 A have been identified and measured for radial velocity and equivalent width. In many cases, additional information was obtained by studying the detailed shapes of the recorded profiles. Most of the stars show several absorption components, with clouds of the highest radial velocity appearing in the spectra of stars behind the remnant. For each component, column densities were derived using velocity dispersion parameters which yielded the most self-consistent results. Qualitatively, the gas toward the remnant exhibits a number of unusual properties, when compared with normal interstellar material. First, abnormally high radial velocities were evident. Second, the degree of ionization of some elements suggested the existence of ionizing processes significantly more potent than those found in general regions of space. Finally, an investigation of electron densities shows that much of the gas, especially that at high velocity, must exist in the form of relatively thin sheets or filaments. If cosmic abundances prevail, the column densities of high-velocity excited material suggest that H-alpha emission measures could be as large as 100 sq cm/cu pc.
Document ID
19770038869
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Jenkins, E. B.
(Princeton University New Observatory, Princeton, N.J., United States)
Wallerstein, G.
(Washington, University Seattle, Wash., United States)
Silk, J.
(Princeton Univ. Observatory NJ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
Volume: 32
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
77A21721
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-05-003-578
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF GP-28882
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-48-002-166
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-1810
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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