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Absorption Line Studies and the Distribution of Neutral Gas in the Local Interstellar Medium
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 April 2016
Abstract
Previous published absorption line studies performed at ultraviolet and visual wavelengths are combined with new ultraviolet data in order to map out the distribution of HI within 150 pc of the Sun. Newly presented data for distances less than 50 pc further support the local cloud model as presented by Bruhweiler (1982). The Sun is embedded, near the edge of a diffuse cloud with total column density of 2 x 1019cm-2. Most observed directions within 50 pc away from the cloud body reveal trace amounts of gas (N)HI) ~ 1018 cm-2) presumably arising in the outer skin of the local cloud. At greater distances (50 ≲ d ≲ 150 pc) most directions show significant absorption with N(HI)>1019 cm-2. Two directions, one toward the northern galactic pole (NGP), the other toward β CMa exhibit unusually low HI column densities out to distances of 150-200 pc. However, substantial amounts of gas, N(HI) > 1019 cm-2, are seen toward the NGP at greater distances. The implications of these results on astronomy at wavelengths shortward of 912Å are discussed.
- Type
- Ultraviolet and EUV Absorption Studies
- Information
- International Astronomical Union Colloquium , Volume 81: Local Interstellar Medium , 1984 , pp. 37 - 50
- Copyright
- Copyright © NASA 1984
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