ON THE INITIAL EXCITATION TEMPERATURE OF INTERSTELLAR $H_{2}CO$ MOLECULES
Loading...
Date
1970
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ohio State University
Abstract
An attempt is made at explaining the anomalously low rotational temperature, T = 1.8$^\circ K$. of interstellar $H_{2}CO$ observed by Plamer et. $al.^{1}$ It is shown that, because of the rigorous dipole selection rules, the molecules are “adiabatically cooled” as they make transitions to lower levels by spontaneous emission. If a Boltzmanniten rotational distribution is assumed at the time of formation, the initial excitation temperature is given by $kT_{e} = 2h\bar{B}$, regardless of the temperature of formation.
Description
$^{1}$P. Palmer. B. Zuckerman, D. Buhl and L. E. Snyder, Ap. J. 158, L147 (1969).""
Author Institution: Division of Physics, National Research Council
Author Institution: Division of Physics, National Research Council