Contents of: VI/111/./abstract/RSTARK_CIRRUS.abs

The following document lists the file abstract/RSTARK_CIRRUS.abs from catalogue VI/111.
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==> In this proposal, more time is being requested for RSTARK.COOLLINE
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We propose to take deep LWS02 observations of the [CII] 157.7 mu line, as
well as medium resolution wavelength range LWS01 scans necessary to
analyze existing data of the [OI] 63.2 mu line in a sample of well studied
high-latitude cirrus clouds. Most of these clouds have already been observed
using LWS02. However, the need to defringe the medium resolution line
spectrum observations requires rather longer wavelength observations than
originally anticipated. The fringing has strongest impact at 63.2 microns.
Without defringing, the [OI] spectra cannot be interpreted. At 158 microns
the fringing pattern has a longer period and is less disturbing. The results
so far show that [CII] emission in quiescent cirrus clouds is weak and
ubiquitous. Higher S/N LWS02 [CII] spectra are necessary to investigate
the variation in each cloud as well as among the clouds, and to separate the
contribution from the diffuse ionized interstellar medium along the line of
sight.
The LWS observations will provide a direct tool to study the carbon
chemistry: [CII]--> [CI] --> CO, and the cooling by [OI] and [CII].
The primary target of our sample is the HD 210121 (G056) cloud. This is one of
the best characterized quiescent high-latitude clouds to date. The other high
priority clouds G228-29 and G230-28 are cometary cirrus clouds which are
connected by their tails. The latter two have very peculiar HI, CO, and FIR
properties. Their 60/100 mu brightness ratio is one of the highest known among
cirrus. They are thought to be shocked by the same collision, and to be at
present in a different stage of shock completion. The cooling lines will
provide unique information on the physical/chemical state and the differences
between quiscent and shocked nearby simple clouds.