Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Observations of the Interstellar Velocity Structure and Chemical Composition toward the Carina Nebula

We have observed the O-type star CPD -59°2603 in the Carina Nebula with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph near-UV and far-UV high-resolution echelles, at a resolving power of ~110,000 (FWHM) and S/N ~ 30. This sight line has complex velocity and excitation structure in the interstellar absorption lines, corresponding to three distinct regions: very high velocity components formed within the nebula; a warm, expanding H II region; and cool, low-velocity gas near the Sun. The Mg I and Mg II profiles show many components, with velocities extending from -235 to +123 km s^-1. We have derived physical conditions in the expanding H II region from the Si IV doublet and the excited fine-structure lines of C I. Heavy elements (O, Ni, Cu, Ga) are present in the low-velocity gas, and their abundances indicate depletions consistent with nearby, cool diffuse clouds. ¹²CO is detected in just one low-velocity component, suggesting different amounts of processing among the clouds near the Sun.

Based on observations with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS5-26555.