Related Experiment Videos
Molecular abundances in the Sagittarius A molecular cloud
Y C Minh1, W M Irvine, P Friberg
1Korea Astronomy Observatory, Daejon, Korea.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
|January 1, 1992
Summary
We measured molecular abundances in Sgr A, finding enhanced levels of certain molecules like ethanol (CH3CH2OH) and propyne (CH3CCH). Silicon monoxide (SiO) abundance is similar to other hot clouds.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy
- Astrochemistry
- Interstellar Medium
Background:
- The chemical composition of interstellar clouds provides insights into star formation processes.
- Sgr A is a unique region in our galaxy, offering a laboratory to study complex chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the column densities and fractional abundances of various molecules toward Sgr A.
- To compare the molecular abundances in Sgr A with those in other interstellar clouds.
Main Methods:
- Observations were made to obtain column densities of specific molecules.
- Abundances were calculated relative to molecular hydrogen.
Main Results:
- Column densities for HCO+, HCO, HCS+, C3H2, HC5N, SiO, OCS, HCOOH, CH3CH2OH, and CH3CCH were obtained.
- The fractional abundance of SiO in Sgr A is comparable to the Orion plateau (10^-7-10^-8).
- Abundances of HCO, CH3CH2OH, and CH3CCH are enhanced in Sgr A compared to Sgr B2.
Conclusions:
- The observed SiO abundance suggests it may be typical for hot interstellar clouds.
- Enhanced abundances of HCO, ethanol, and propyne indicate unique chemical conditions in Sgr A.