Abstract
We have developed a complete model of the hydrogen molecule as part of the spectral simulation code Cloudy. Our goal is to apply this to spectra of high-redshift star-forming regions where H2 absorption is seen, but where few other details are known, to understand its implication for star formation. The microphysics of H2 is intricate, and it is important to validate these numerical simulations in better understood environments. This paper studies a well-defined line of sight through the Galactic interstellar medium (ISM) as a test of the microphysics and methods we use. We present a self-consistent calculation of the observed absorption-line spectrum to derive the physical conditions in the ISM toward HD 185418, a line of sight with many observables. We deduce density, temperature, local radiation field, cosmic-ray ionization rate, and chemical composition and compare these conclusions with conditions deduced from analytical calculations. We find a higher density and similar abundances, and we require a cosmic-ray flux enhanced over the Galactic background value, consistent with enhancements predicted by MHD simulations.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-10-2006
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://dx.doi.org/10.1086/499221
Repository Citation
Shaw, Gargi; Ferland, Gary J.; Srianand, R.; and Abel, N. P., "PHYSICAL CONDITIONS IN THE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM TOWARD HD 185418" (2006). Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications. 91.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/physastron_facpub/91
Notes/Citation Information
Published in The Astrophysical Journal, v. 639, no. 2, p. 941-950.
© 2006. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
The copyright holder has granted permission for posting the article here.