High-resolution optical and ultraviolet absorption-line studies of interstellar gasRecent progress in the characterization of the interstellar medium (ISM) by means of optical and UV spectral data is summarized. The gas is studied by focusing on background stars whose spectra can be accurately modeled to provide the light source for the absorption-line scans. The capabilities of earth- and space-based instruments which have been and are used for the surveys are delineated. The distributions of diffuse gas densities and characteristics of the cold, warm and hot gas in the Galaxy are described in terms of the elemental abundances, kinetics and distributions of the gas. Particular note is taken of gas in the solar neighborhood and around SNR, and of absorption-line data of cosmological significance.
Document ID
19870039469
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Cowie, Lennox L. (Space Telescope Science Inst. Baltimore, MD, United States)
Songaila, Antoinette (Space Telescope Science Institute Baltimore, MD, United States)