Narrow-band Imagery of the ISM using the RCT
Abstract
We present the first results of imaging the Interstellar Medium (ISM) using narrow-band filters with the Robotically Controlled Telescope (RCT). The RCT is the recently refurbished 1.3-meter telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory. Details regarding the RCT can be found elsewhere at this meeting (Gelderman, R. et al.).
Our filters are centered on diagnostic, nebular emission lines of the ions H+, He+, S+, N+ and O++. Objects of interest in the galactic and extragalactic ISM were observed including the starburst galaxy NGC 4449. Ionization ratio maps include [OIII]/Hβ, [NII]/Hα and the C(Hβ) extinction map from the ratio of Hα/Hβ. Electron densities are derived from the ratio of images taken through filters centered on the sulfur lines at 671.7 and 673.1 nm. Refurbishment of the RCT has been made possible by NASA NAG 58-762. Funding for filters and additional equipment has been made possible by NASA OSS NAG 5-10145 and NASA MU-SPIN NCC 5-534.- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #202
- Pub Date:
- May 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003AAS...202.2906W