we propose to do a spectral exploration of the cold interstellar matter emission in the wavelength range accessible to iso. the excellent sensitivity of iso makes it unique to detect spectral features in low brightness extended sources. spectra of the integrated galactic emission will be obtained on lines of sight with high column density of interstellar gas avoiding regions of massive star formation. the proposed observations will provide a spectral data base for several types of studies. the high column density, combined with long integration times, will provide a high signal to noise on the continuum and allow the detection of weak dust features, vibration modes of individual pahs molecules, molecular emission from hot spots in hi clouds associated with intermittent dissipation of turbulence, vibrational transitions of molecules seen in absorption against the diffuse emission of pahs and very small grains, and the associated emission. this survey will provide a reference for the abundances and excitation mechanisms of important molecules like h2o, co2, ch4, which are very difficult to observe in cold clouds. it will also test the role of infrared pumping by pahs emission for molecules which are commonly used tracers of molecular clouds like co and cs. this survey will be used in conjunction with the spectral survey of the central program on lines of sight of bright active star forming regions with the lws fabry-perot. we propose to complement the spectral coverage for these lines of sight with a full sws grating scan (at a cost of 10 % of the overall proposal). we intend to make the data base of this survey available to the community in reduced form as soon as possible.
Instrument
LWS04 , SWS01 , SWS06
Temporal Coverage
1996-09-19T23:00:39Z/1997-04-26T14:32:23Z
Version
1.0
Mission Description
The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) was the world's first true orbiting infrared observatory. Equipped with four highly-sophisticated and versatile scientific instruments, it was launched by Ariane in November 1995 and provided astronomers world-wide with a facility of unprecedented sensitivity and capabilities for a detailed exploration of the Universe at infrared wavelengths.
European Space Agency, 1999, Spectral Survey Of The Cold Interstellar Medium Search For New Features From Dust Comma Atom Clusters, 1.0, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-9lv1ku2
