Physical Conditions and Structure of Molecular Gas in the Galactic Center
Abstract
We have studied global structure, kinematics, and distribution of physical conditions of molecular gas in the Galactic center region. We have made survey observations of the Galactic center in the CO J=2-1 line. The data are compared with the Columbia CO J=1-0 data, and the CO line ratios are used to investigate physical conditions of molecular gas. The pressure is found to be high within the central 100 pc. We have developed a method to derive positions of molecular clouds along the lines of sight. The method, which is based on comparison between molecular emission- and absorption-lines and is independent of gas kinematics, is applied to the Galactic center region. Face-on maps of distribution and kinematics of molecular gas are drawn. The results resemble central regions of barred galaxies. In order to interpret the kinematics of prominent molecular features in the observed data, we have performed smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations: gas motions are calculated in a fixed barred potential. Some observed features are identified with those that appear in the simulations transiently.
- Publication:
-
8th Asian-Pacific Regional Meeting, Volume II
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002aprm.conf..207S