Astronomical Observations with an Infrared Array Camera
Abstract
Astronomical observations with an infrared array camera demonstrate that arrays are excellent for high spatial resolution photometric mapping of celestial objects. I describe a 16 x 16 pixel array camera system based on a bismuth-doped silicon charge injection device optimized for use in the 8-13 micron atmospheric window. I also discuss observing techniques and image processing algorithms that are unique to the use of an array detector. I present multi-wavelength, 1-2 arcsec resolution images of three different celestial objects. For the galactic center, I derive maps of the infrared color temperature and emission optical depth. The results are consistent with a model in which a low density region with a massive luminosity source at its center is encircled by a ring of gas and dust from which material may be infalling toward the nucleus. Multiple luminosity sources are not required to explain the infrared appearance of the galactic center. Images of Seyfert galaxy NGC 1068 are the first to resolve the infrared structure of the nucleus and show that it is similar to that at optical and radio wavelengths. Infrared emission extended northeast of the nucleus is identified with the radio jet. Combined with optical spectra and charge coupled device images, the new data imply a causal relationship between the Seyfert activity in the nucleus and the starburst in the disk. Infrared images confirm the presence of two populations of dust grains having different spatial distributions in planetary nebula NGC 7027. Continuum and unidentified feature emission appear to arise from different regions within and perhaps immediately surrounding the ionized zone. The infrared data and new optical images show that warm nebular dust is the principal contributor to the spatial variation of visual extinction toward this object. The work described herein contributed to the selection of an array camera as one of three instruments to be orbited aboard the Space Infrared Telescope Facility in the 1990's.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985PhDT.........4T
- Keywords:
-
- GALACTIC CENTER;
- NGC 1068;
- Physics: Astronomy and Astrophysics;
- Astronomical Photography;
- Astronomical Photometry;
- Galactic Nuclei;
- Infrared Imagery;
- Milky Way Galaxy;
- Planetary Nebulae;
- Seyfert Galaxies;
- Space Observations (From Earth);
- Arrays;
- Astronomical Maps;
- Cameras;
- Charge Injection Devices;
- Cosmic Dust;
- Image Processing;
- Spatial Resolution;
- Starburst Galaxies;
- Astronomy