X-ray ionization and the chemistry of the Orion molecular cloudThe collection of unusually strong stellar X-ray sources in the vicinity of the Orion molecular cloud together bathe the gas with such an intensity of X-rays that they, rather than cosmic rays, dominate the ionization and heating of the gas. Estimates of the ionization rate and the elevation in temperature are presented, and the consequences for the gas chemistry are discussed. Strong small-scale inhomogeneities in molecular abundances and temperature are a distinguishing feature of ionization by stellar X-rays.
Document ID
19820064110
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Krolik, J. H. (Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)