Optical emission at 5800 Å in the Red Rectangle and the 5797-Å diffuse interstellar band |
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| Authors: | W W Duley |
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| Institution: | School of Physics, University College, University of New South Wales, Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia |
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| Abstract: | An analysis of the intensity and spatial distribution of the discrete 5800-? emission band in the spectrum of the Red Rectangle has been used to constrain the abundance and physical properties of the carrier of this emission. An origin in a large (>30 C atom) molecule is indicated. This molecule is formed in situ in the Red Rectangle, but is also a component of the diffuse interstellar medium. The UV photodissociation probability for this molecule is ?10?5 per absorbed photon, and the luminescence efficiency is in the range 10?2–10?3. This molecule may be a product of the dissociation of carbonaceous dust. |
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| Keywords: | ISM: abundances dust extinction ISM: individual: Red Rectangle ISM: jets and outflows ISM: molecules |
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