| 1. |
- Lis, D. C., et al.
(author)
-
Herschel/HIFI discovery of interstellar chloronium (H2Cl+)
- 2010
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 521:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the first detection of chloronium, H_2Cl^+, in the interstellar medium, using the HIFI instrument aboard the Herschel Space Observatory. The 2_12-1_01 lines of ortho-H\_2^35Cl^+ and ortho-H\_2^37Cl^+ are detected in absorption towards NGC 6334I, and the 1_11-0_00 transition of para-H\_2^35Cl^+ is detected in absorption towards NGC 6334I and Sgr B2(S). The H_2Cl^+ column densities are compared to those of the chemically-related species HCl. The derived HCl/H_2Cl^+ column density ratios, ~1-10, are within the range predicted by models of diffuse and dense photon dominated regions (PDRs). However, the observed H_2Cl^+ column densities, in excess of 10^13 cm^-2, are significantly higher than the model predictions. Our observations demonstrate the outstanding spectroscopic capabilities of HIFI for detecting new interstellar molecules and providing key constraints for astrochemical models.
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| 2. |
- Chown, Ryan, et al.
(author)
-
PDRs4All: IV. An embarrassment of riches: Aromatic infrared bands in the Orion Bar
- 2024
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 685
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. Mid-infrared observations of photodissociation regions (PDRs) are dominated by strong emission features called aromatic infrared bands (AIBs). The most prominent AIBs are found at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, and 11.2 µm. The most sensitive, highest-resolution infrared spectral imaging data ever taken of the prototypical PDR, the Orion Bar, have been captured by JWST. These high-quality data allow for an unprecedentedly detailed view of AIBs. Aims. We provide an inventory of the AIBs found in the Orion Bar, along with mid-IR template spectra from five distinct regions in the Bar: the molecular PDR (i.e. the three H2 dissociation fronts), the atomic PDR, and the H II region. Methods. We used JWST NIRSpec IFU and MIRI MRS observations of the Orion Bar from the JWST Early Release Science Program, PDRs4All (ID: 1288). We extracted five template spectra to represent the morphology and environment of the Orion Bar PDR. We investigated and characterised the AIBs in these template spectra. We describe the variations among them here. Results. The superb sensitivity and the spectral and spatial resolution of these JWST observations reveal many details of the AIB emission and enable an improved characterization of their detailed profile shapes and sub-components. The Orion Bar spectra are dominated by the well-known AIBs at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, 11.2, and 12.7 µm with well-defined profiles. In addition, the spectra display a wealth of weaker features and sub-components. The widths of many AIBs show clear and systematic variations, being narrowest in the atomic PDR template, but showing a clear broadening in the H II region template while the broadest bands are found in the three dissociation front templates. In addition, the relative strengths of AIB (sub-)components vary among the template spectra as well. All AIB profiles are characteristic of class A sources as designated by Peeters (2022, A&A, 390, 1089), except for the 11.2 µm AIB profile deep in the molecular zone, which belongs to class B11.2. Furthermore, the observations show that the sub-components that contribute to the 5.75, 7.7, and 11.2 µm AIBs become much weaker in the PDR surface layers. We attribute this to the presence of small, more labile carriers in the deeper PDR layers that are photolysed away in the harsh radiation field near the surface. The 3.3/11.2 AIB intensity ratio decreases by about 40% between the dissociation fronts and the H II region, indicating a shift in the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) size distribution to larger PAHs in the PDR surface layers, also likely due to the effects of photochemistry. The observed broadening of the bands in the molecular PDR is consistent with an enhanced importance of smaller PAHs since smaller PAHs attain a higher internal excitation energy at a fixed photon energy. Conclusions. Spectral-imaging observations of the Orion Bar using JWST yield key insights into the photochemical evolution of PAHs, such as the evolution responsible for the shift of 11.2 µm AIB emission from class B11.2 in the molecular PDR to class A11.2 in the PDR surface layers. This photochemical evolution is driven by the increased importance of FUV processing in the PDR surface layers, resulting in a “weeding out” of the weakest links of the PAH family in these layers. For now, these JWST observations are consistent with a model in which the underlying PAH family is composed of a few species: the so-called ‘grandPAHs’.
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| 3. |
- Habart, Emilie, et al.
(author)
-
PDRs4All II. JWST’s NIR and MIR imaging view of the Orion Nebula
- 2024
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 685
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured the most detailed and sharpest infrared (IR) images ever taken of the inner region of the Orion Nebula, the nearest massive star formation region, and a prototypical highly irradiated dense photo-dissociation region (PDR). Aims. We investigate the fundamental interaction of far-ultraviolet (FUV) photons with molecular clouds. The transitions across the ionization front (IF), dissociation front (DF), and the molecular cloud are studied at high-angular resolution. These transitions are relevant to understanding the effects of radiative feedback from massive stars and the dominant physical and chemical processes that lead to the IR emission that JWST will detect in many Galactic and extragalactic environments. Methods. We utilized NIRCam and MIRI to obtain sub-arcsecond images over ∼150′′ and 42′′ in key gas phase lines (e.g., Pa α, Br α, [FeII] 1.64 µm, H2 1–0 S(1) 2.12 µm, 0–0 S(9) 4.69 µm), aromatic and aliphatic infrared bands (aromatic infrared bands at 3.3–3.4 µm, 7.7, and 11.3 µm), dust emission, and scattered light. Their emission are powerful tracers of the IF and DF, FUV radiation field and density distribution. Using NIRSpec observations the fractional contributions of lines, AIBs, and continuum emission to our NIRCam images were estimated. A very good agreement is found for the distribution and intensity of lines and AIBs between the NIRCam and NIRSpec observations. Results. Due to the proximity of the Orion Nebula and the unprecedented angular resolution of JWST, these data reveal that the molecular cloud borders are hyper structured at small angular scales of ∼0.1–1′′ (∼0.0002–0.002 pc or ∼40–400 au at 414 pc). A diverse set of features are observed such as ridges, waves, globules and photoevaporated protoplanetary disks. At the PDR atomic to molecular transition, several bright features are detected that are associated with the highly irradiated surroundings of the dense molecular condensations and embedded young star. Toward the Orion Bar PDR, a highly sculpted interface is detected with sharp edges and density increases near the IF and DF. This was predicted by previous modeling studies, but the fronts were unresolved in most tracers. The spatial distribution of the AIBs reveals that the PDR edge is steep and is followed by an extensive warm atomic layer up to the DF with multiple ridges. A complex, structured, and folded H0/H2 DF surface was traced by the H2 lines. This dataset was used to revisit the commonly adopted 2D PDR structure of the Orion Bar as our observations show that a 3D “terraced” geometry is required to explain the JWST observations. JWST provides us with a complete view of the PDR, all the way from the PDR edge to the substructured dense region, and this allowed us to determine, in detail, where the emission of the atomic and molecular lines, aromatic bands, and dust originate. Conclusions. This study offers an unprecedented dataset to benchmark and transform PDR physico-chemical and dynamical models for the JWST era. A fundamental step forward in our understanding of the interaction of FUV photons with molecular clouds and the role of FUV irradiation along the star formation sequence is provided.
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| 4. |
- Olofsson, Henrik, 1972, et al.
(author)
-
Odin water mapping in the Orion KL region
- 2003
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 402, s. L47-L54
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- New results from water mapping observations of the Orion KL region using the submm/mm wave satellite Odin (2.1\arcmin beam size at 557 GHz), are presented. The ortho-H2O \jkktrans{1}{1}{0}{1}{0}{1} ground state transition was observed in a 7arcminx 7arcmin rectangular grid with a spacing of 1\arcmin, while the same line of H218O was measured in two positions, Orion KL itself and 2\arcmin south of Orion KL. In the main water species, the KL molecular outflow is largely resolved from the ambient cloud and it is found to have an extension of 60\arcsec-110\arcsec. The H2O outflow profile exhibits a rather striking absorption-like asymmetry at the line centre. Self-absorption in the near (or ``blue'') part of the outflow (and possibly in foreground quiescent halo gas) is tentatively suggested to play a role here. We argue that the dominant part of the KL H218O outflow emission emanates from the compact (size ~ 15\arcsec) low-velocity flow and here estimate an H2O abundance of circa 10-5 compared to all H2 in the flow - an order of magnitude below earlier estimates of the H2O abundance in the shocked gas of the high-velocity flow. The narrow ambient cloud lines show weak velocity trends, both in the N-S and E-W directions. H218O is detected for the first time in the southern position at a level of ~ 0.15 K and we here estimate an H2O abundance of (1-8) x 10-8. Odin is a Swedish-led satellite project funded jointly by the Swedish National Space Board (SNSB), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the National Technology Agency of Finland (Tekes), and the Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES, France). The Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) was the industrial prime contractor and is also responsible for the satellite operation.
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| 5. |
- Peeters, Els, et al.
(author)
-
PDRs4All: III. JWST's NIR spectroscopic view of the Orion Bar
- 2024
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 685
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. JWST has taken the sharpest and most sensitive infrared (IR) spectral imaging observations ever of the Orion Bar photodis-sociation region (PDR), which is part of the nearest massive star-forming region the Orion Nebula, and often considered to be the 'prototypical'strongly illuminated PDR. Aims. We investigate the impact of radiative feedback from massive stars on their natal cloud and focus on the transition from the H II region to the atomic PDR -crossing the ionisation front (IF) -, and the subsequent transition to the molecular PDR -crossing the dissociation front (DF). Given the prevalence of PDRs in the interstellar medium and their dominant contribution to IR radiation, understanding the response of the PDR gas to far-ultraviolet (FUV) photons and the associated physical and chemical processes is fundamental to our understanding of star and planet formation and for the interpretation of any unresolved PDR as seen by JWST. Methods. We used high-resolution near-IR integral field spectroscopic data from NIRSpec on JWST to observe the Orion Bar PDR as part of the PDRs4All JWST Early Release Science programme. We constructed a 3″ × 25″ spatio-spectral mosaic covering 0.97-5.27 μm at a spectral resolution R of ~2700 and an angular resolution of 0.075″-0.173″. To study the properties of key regions captured in this mosaic, we extracted five template spectra in apertures centred on the three H2 dissociation fronts, the atomic PDR, and the H II region. This wealth of detailed spatial-spectral information was analysed in terms of variations in the physical conditions-incident UV field, density, and temperature -of the PDR gas. Results. The NIRSpec data reveal a forest of lines including, but not limited to, He I, H I, and C I recombination lines; ionic lines (e.g. Fe III and Fe II); O I and N I fluorescence lines; aromatic infrared bands (AIBs, including aromatic CH, aliphatic CH, and their CD counterparts); pure rotational and ro-vibrational lines from H2; and ro-vibrational lines from HD, CO, and CH+, with most of them having been detected for the first time towards a PDR. Their spatial distribution resolves the H and He ionisation structure in the Huygens region, gives insight into the geometry of the Bar, and confirms the large-scale stratification of PDRs. In addition, we observed numerous smaller-scale structures whose typical size decreases with distance from θ1 Ori C and IR lines from C I, if solely arising from radiative recombination and cascade, reveal very high gas temperatures (a few 1000 K) consistent with the hot irradiated surface of small-scale dense clumps inside the PDR. The morphology of the Bar, in particular that of the H2 lines, reveals multiple prominent filaments that exhibit different characteristics. This leaves the impression of a 'terraced'transition from the predominantly atomic surface region to the CO-rich molecular zone deeper in. We attribute the different characteristics of the H2 filaments to their varying depth into the PDR and, in some cases, not reaching the C+/C/CO transition. These observations thus reveal what local conditions are required to drive the physical and chemical processes needed to explain the different characteristics of the DFs and the photochemical evolution of the AIB carriers. Conclusions. This study showcases the discovery space created by JWST to further our understanding of the impact radiation from young stars has on their natal molecular cloud and proto-planetary disk, which touches on star and planet formation as well as galaxy evolution.
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| 6. |
- Wedemeyer, S., et al.
(author)
-
Solar Science with the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array-A New View of Our Sun
- 2016
-
In: Space Science Reviews. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0038-6308 .- 1572-9672. ; 200:1-4, s. 1-73
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is a new powerful tool for observing the Sun at high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution. These capabilities can address a broad range of fundamental scientific questions in solar physics. The radiation observed by ALMA originates mostly from the chromosphere-a complex and dynamic region between the photosphere and corona, which plays a crucial role in the transport of energy and matter and, ultimately, the heating of the outer layers of the solar atmosphere. Based on first solar test observations, strategies for regular solar campaigns are currently being developed. State-of-the-art numerical simulations of the solar atmosphere and modeling of instrumental effects can help constrain and optimize future observing modes for ALMA. Here we present a short technical description of ALMA and an overview of past efforts and future possibilities for solar observations at submillimeter and millimeter wavelengths. In addition, selected numerical simulations and observations at other wavelengths demonstrate ALMA's scientific potential for studying the Sun for a large range of science cases.
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| 7. |
- Lis, D. C., et al.
(author)
-
Herschel/HIFI measurements of the ortho/para ratio in water towards Sagittarius B2(M) and W31C
- 2010
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 521:1, s. Article Number: L26 -
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present Herschel/HIFI observations of the fundamental rotational transitions of ortho- and para-H216O and H218O in absorption towards Sagittarius B2(M) and W31C. The ortho/para ratio in water in the foreground clouds on the line of sight towards these bright continuum sources is generally consistent with the statistical high-temperature ratio of 3, within the observational uncertainties. However, somewhat unexpectedly, we derive a low ortho/para ratio of 2.35 +/- 0.35, corresponding to a spin temperature of similar to 27 K, towards Sagittarius B2(M) at velocities of the expanding molecular ring. Water molecules in this region appear to have formed with, or relaxed to, an ortho/para ratio close to the value corresponding to the local temperature of the gas and dust.
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| 8. |
- Neufeld, D.A., et al.
(author)
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Strong absorption by interstellar hydrogen fluoride: Herschel/HIFI observations of the sight-line to G10.6-0.4 (W31C)
- 2010
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 518:4, s. 108-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the detection of strong absorption by interstellar hydrogen fluoride along the sight-line to the submillimeter continuum source G10.6-0.4 (W31C). We have used Herschel's HIFI instrument, in dual beam switch mode, to observe the 1232.4763 GHz J=1-0 HF transition in the upper sideband of the Band 5a receiver. The resultant spectrum shows weak HF emission from G10.6-0.4 at LSR velocities in the range -10 to -3 km/s, accompanied by strong absorption by foreground material at LSR velocities in the range 15 to 50 km/s. The spectrum is similar to that of the 1113.3430 GHz 1(11)-0(00) transition of para-water, although at some frequencies the HF (hydrogen fluoride) optical depth clearly exceeds that of para-H2O. The optically-thick HF absorption that we have observed places a conservative lower limit of 1.6E+14 cm-2 on the HF column density along the sight-line to G10.6-0.4. Our lower limit on the HF abundance, 6E-9 relative to hydrogen nuclei, implies that hydrogen fluoride accounts for between ~ 30 and 100% of the fluorine nuclei in the gas phase along this sight-line. This observation corroborates theoretical predictions that - because the unique thermochemistry of fluorine permits the exothermic reaction of F atoms with molecular hydrogen - HF will be the dominant reservoir of interstellar fluorine under a wide range of conditions.
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| 9. |
- Van Gelder, M. L., et al.
(author)
-
JOYS+: Mid-infrared detection of gas-phase SO 2 emission in a low-mass protostar
- 2024
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 682
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. Thanks to the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), our ability to observe the star formation process in the infrared has greatly improved. Due to its unprecedented spatial and spectral resolution and sensitivity in the mid-infrared, JWST/MIRI can see through highly extincted protostellar envelopes and probe the warm inner regions. An abundant molecule in these warm inner regions is SO2, which is a common tracer of both outflow and accretion shocks as well as hot core chemistry. Aims. This paper presents the first mid-infrared detection of gaseous SO2 emission in an embedded low-mass protostellar system rich in complex molecules and aims to determine the physical origin of the SO2 emission. Methods. JWST/MIRI observations taken with the Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) of the low-mass protostellar binary NGC 1333 IRAS 2A in the JWST Observations of Young protoStars (JOYS+) program are presented. The observations reveal emission from the SO2 ν3 asymmetric stretching mode at 7.35 µm. Using simple slab models and assuming local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE), we derived the rotational temperature and total number of SO2 molecules. We then compared the results to those derived from high-angular-resolution SO2 data on the same scales (∼50−100 au) obtained with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). Results. The SO2 emission from the ν3 band is predominantly located on ∼50−100 au scales around the mid-infrared continuum peak of the main component of the binary, IRAS 2A1. A rotational temperature of 92 ± 8 K is derived from the ν3 lines. This is in good agreement with the rotational temperature derived from pure rotational lines in the vibrational ground state (i.e., ν = 0) with ALMA (104 ± 5 K), which are extended over similar scales. However, the emission of the ν3 lines in the MIRI-MRS spectrum is not in LTE given that the total number of molecules predicted by a LTE model is found to be a factor of 2 × 104 higher than what is derived for the ν = 0 state from the ALMA data. This difference can be explained by a vibrational temperature that is ∼100 K higher than the derived rotational temperature of the ν = 0 state: Tvib ∼ 200 K versus Trot = 104 ± 5 K. The brightness temperature derived from the continuum around the ν3 band (∼7.35 µm) of SO2 is ∼180 K, which confirms that the ν3 = 1 level is not collisionally populated but rather infrared-pumped by scattered radiation. This is also consistent with the non-detection of the ν2 bending mode at 18−20 µm. The similar rotational temperature derived from the MIRI-MRS and ALMA data implies that they are in fact tracing the same molecular gas. The inferred abundance of SO2 , determined using the LTE fit to the lines of the vibrational ground state in the ALMA data, is 1.0 ± 0.3 × 10−8 with respect to H2, which is on the lower side compared to interstellar and cometary ices (10−8−10−7). Conclusions. Given the rotational temperature, the extent of the emission (∼100 au in radius), and the narrow line widths in the ALMA data (∼3.5 km s−1), the SO2 in IRAS 2A likely originates from ice sublimation in the central hot core around the protostar rather than from an accretion shock at the disk–envelope boundary. Furthermore, this paper shows the importance of radiative pumping and of combining JWST observations with those from millimeter interferometers such as ALMA to probe the physics on disk scales and to infer molecular abundances.
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| 10. |
- Berné, O., et al.
(author)
-
Formation of the methyl cation by photochemistry in a protoplanetary disk
- 2023
-
In: Nature. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 621:7977, s. 56-59
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Forty years ago, it was proposed that gas-phase organic chemistry in the interstellar medium can be initiated by the methyl cation CH3+ (refs. 1–3), but so far it has not been observed outside the Solar System 4,5. Alternative routes involving processes on grain surfaces have been invoked 6,7. Here we report James Webb Space Telescope observations of CH3+ in a protoplanetary disk in the Orion star-forming region. We find that gas-phase organic chemistry is activated by ultraviolet irradiation.
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| 11. |
- Bjerkeli, Per, 1977, et al.
(author)
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Resolving the shocked gas in HH54 with Herschel CO line mapping at high spatial and spectral resolution
- 2014
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 571
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. The HH 54 shock is a Herbig-Haro object, located in the nearby Chamaeleon II cloud. Observed CO line profiles are due to a complex distribution in density, temperature, velocity, and geometry. Aims. Resolving the HH 54 shock wave in the far-infrared (FIR) cooling lines of CO constrain the kinematics, morphology, and physical conditions of the shocked region. Methods. We used the PACS and SPIRE instruments on board the Herschel space observatory to map the full FIR spectrum in a region covering the HH 54 shock wave. Complementary Herschel-HIFI, APEX, and Spitzer data are used in the analysis as well. The observed features in the line profiles are reproduced using a 3D radiative transfer model of a bow-shock, constructed with the Line Modeling Engine code (LIME). Results. The FIR emission is confined to the HH 54 region and a coherent displacement of the location of the emission maximum of CO with increasing J is observed. The peak positions of the high-J CO lines are shifted upstream from the lower J CO lines and coincide with the position of the spectral feature identified previously in CO(10-9) profiles with HIFI. This indicates a hotter molecular component in the upstream gas with distinct dynamics. The coherent displacement with increasing J for CO is consistent with a scenario where IRAS12500 - 7658 is the exciting source of the flow, and the 180 K bow-shock is accompanied by a hot (800 K) molecular component located upstream from the apex of the shock and blueshifted by -7 km s(-1). The spatial proximity of this knot to the peaks of the atomic fine-structure emission lines observed with Spitzer and PACS ([O I]63, 145 mu m) suggests that it may be associated with the dissociative shock as the jet impacts slower moving gas in the HH 54 bow-shock.
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| 12. |
- Falgarone, E., et al.
(author)
-
CH+(1-0) and 13CH+(1-0) absorption lines in the direction of massive star-forming regions
- 2010
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 521:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the detection of the ground-state rotational transition of the methylidyne cation CH+ and its isotopologue (CH+)-C-13 toward the remote massive star-forming regions W33A, W49N, and W51 with the HIFI instrument onboard the Herschel satellite. Both lines are seen only in absorption against the dust continuum emission of the star-forming regions. The CH+ absorption is saturated over almost the entire velocity ranges sampled by the lines-of-sight that include gas associated with the star-forming regions (SFR) and Galactic foreground material. The CH+ column densities are inferred from the optically thin components. A lower limit of the isotopic ratio [(CH+)-C-12]/[(CH+)-C-13]> 35.5 is derived from the absorptions of foreground material toward W49N. The column density ratio, N(CH+)/N(HCO+), is found to vary by at least a factor 10, between 4 and > 40, in the Galactic foreground material. Line-of-sight 12CH+ average abundances relative to total hydrogen are estimated. Their average value, N(CH+)/NH > 2.6 x 10(-8), is higher than that observed in the solar neighborhood and confirms the high abundances of CH+ in the Galactic interstellar medium. We compare this result to the predictions of turbulent dissipation regions (TDR) models and find that these high abundances can be reproduced for the inner Galaxy conditions. It is remarkable that the range of predicted N(CH+)/ N(HCO+) ratios, from 1 to similar to 50, is comparable to that observed.
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| 13. |
- Gerin, M., et al.
(author)
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Interstellar CH absorption in the diffuse interstellar medium along the sight-lines to G10.6-0.4 (W31C), W49N, and W51
- 2010
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 521:1, s. Article Number: L16-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the detection of the ground state N, J = 1, 3/2 -> 1, 1/2 doublet of the methylidyne radical CH at similar to 532 GHz and similar to 536 GHz with the Herschel/ HIFI instrument along the sight-line to the massive star-forming regions G10.6-0.4 (W31C), W49N, and W51. While the molecular cores associated with these massive star-forming regions show emission lines, clouds in the diffuse interstellar medium are detected in absorption against the strong submillimeter background. The combination of hyperfine structure with emission and absorption results in complex profiles, with overlap of the different hyperfine components. The opacities of most of the CH absorption features are linearly correlated with those of CCH, CN, and HCO+ in the same velocity intervals. In specific narrow velocity intervals, the opacities of CN and HCO+ deviate from the mean trends, giving rise to more opaque absorption features. We propose that CCH can be used as another tracer of the molecular gas in the absence of better tracers, with [CCH]/[H2] similar to 3.2 +/- 1.1 x 10-8. The observed [CN]/[CH], [CCH]/[CH] abundance ratios suggest that the bulk of the diffuse matter along the lines of sight has gas densities nH = n(H) + 2n(H2) ranging between 100 and 1000 cm-3).
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| 14. |
- Gerin, M., et al.
(author)
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Interstellar OH+, H2O+ and H3O+ along the sight-line to G10.6-0.4
- 2010
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 518:4, s. 110-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the detection of absorption lines by the reactive ions OH+, H2O+ and H3O+ along the line of sight to the submillimeter continuum source G10.6$-$0.4 (W31C). We used the Herschel HIFI instrument in dual beam switch mode to observe the ground state rotational transitions of OH+ at 971 GHz, H2O+ at 1115 and 607 GHz, and H3O+ at 984 GHz. The resultant spectra show deep absorption over a broad velocity range that originates in the interstellar matter along the line of sight to G10.6$-$0.4 as well as in the molecular gas directly associated with that source. The OH+ spectrum reaches saturation over most velocities corresponding to the foreground gas, while the opacity of the H2O+ lines remains lower than 1 in the same velocity range, and the H3O+ line shows only weak absorption. For LSR velocities between 7 and 50 kms$^{-1}$ we estimate total column densities of $N$(OH+) $> 2.5 \times 10^{14}$ cm$^{-2}$, $N$(H2O+) $\sim 6 \times 10^{13}$ cm$^{-2}$ and $N$(H3O+) $\sim 4.0 \times 10^{13}$ cm$^{-2}$. These detections confirm the role of O$^+$ and OH$^+$ in initiating the oxygen chemistry in diffuse molecular gas and strengthen our understanding of the gas phase production of water. The high ratio of the OH+ by the H2O+ column density implies that these species predominantly trace low-density gas with a small fraction of hydrogen in molecular form.
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| 15. |
- Goicoechea, J.R., et al.
(author)
-
VELOCITY-RESOLVED [C II] EMISSION AND [C II]/FIR MAPPING ALONG ORION WITH HERSCHEL
- 2015
-
In: Astrophysical Journal. - 1538-4357 .- 0004-637X. ; 812:1, s. 75-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the first ~7.′5 × 11.′5 velocity-resolved (~0.2 km/s) map of the [C II] 158 μm line toward the Orion molecular cloud1 (OMC1) taken with the Herschel/HIFI instrument. In combination with far-IR (FIR) photometric images and velocity-resolved maps of the H41α hydrogen recombination and CO J = 2–1 lines, this data set provides an unprecedented view of the intricate small-scale kinematics of the ionized/photodissociation region (PDR)/molecular gas interfaces and of the radiative feedback from massive stars. The main contribution to the [C II] luminosity (~85%) is from the extended, FUV-illuminated face of the cloud (G0 > 500, nH > 5 × 10^3 cm^−3) and from dense PDRs (G0>~10^4, nH>~10^5 cm^−3) at the interface between OMC 1 and the H II region surrounding the Trapezium cluster. Around ~15% of the [C II] emission arises from a different gas component without a CO counterpart. The [C II] excitation, PDR gas turbulence, line opacity (from [13C II]), and role of the geometry of the illuminating stars with respect to the cloud are investigated. We construct maps of the L[CII]/LFIR and LFIR/MGas ratios and show that L[CII]/LFIR decreases from the extended cloud component (~10^−2–10^−3) to the more opaque star-forming cores (~10^-3-10−4). The lowest values are reminiscent of the “[C II] deficit” seen in local ultraluminous IR galaxies hosting vigorous star formation. Spatial correlation analysis shows that the decreasing L[C II]/LFIR ratio correlates better with the column density of dust through the molecular cloud than with LFIR/MGas. We conclude that the [C II]-emitting column relative to the total dust column along each line of sight is responsible for the observed L[C II]/LFIR variations through the cloud.
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| 16. |
- Goldsmith, Paul F., et al.
(author)
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Herschel Measurements of Molecular Oxygen in Orion
- 2011
-
In: Astrophysical Journal. - 1538-4357 .- 0004-637X. ; 737:2, s. 96 (1-17)
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report observations of three rotational transitions of molecular oxygen (O2) in emission from the H2 Peak 1 position of vibrationally excited molecular hydrogen in Orion. We observed the 487 GHz, 774 GHz, and 1121 GHz lines using the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far Infrared on the Herschel Space Observatory, having velocities of 11 km s–1 to 12 km s–1 and widths of 3 km s–1. The beam-averaged column density is N(O2) = 6.5 × 1016 cm–2, and assuming that the source has an equal beam-filling factor for all transitions (beam widths 44, 28, and 19''), the relative line intensities imply a kinetic temperature between 65 K and 120 K. The fractional abundance of O2 relative to H2 is (0.3-7.3) × 10–6. The unusual velocity suggests an association with a ~5'' diameter source, denoted Peak A, the Western Clump, or MF4. The mass of this source is ~10 Msun and the dust temperature is ≥150 K. Our preferred explanation of the enhanced O2 abundance is that dust grains in this region are sufficiently warm (T ≥ 100 K) to desorb water ice and thus keep a significant fraction of elemental oxygen in the gas phase, with a significant fraction as O2. For this small source, the line ratios require a temperature ≥180 K. The inferred O2 column density sime5 × 1018 cm–2 can be produced in Peak A, having N(H2) sime 4 × 1024 cm–2. An alternative mechanism is a low-velocity (10-15 km s–1) C-shock, which can produce N(O2) up to 1017 cm–2.
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| 17. |
- Indriolo, N., et al.
(author)
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Herschel Survey of Galactic OH+, H2O+, and H3O+: Probing the Molecular Hydrogen Fraction and Cosmic-Ray Ionization Rate
- 2015
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In: Astrophysical Journal. - 1538-4357 .- 0004-637X. ; 800:1, s. 40-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In diffuse interstellar clouds the chemistry that leads to the formation of the oxygen-bearing ions OH+, H2O+, and H3O+ begins with the ionization of atomic hydrogen by cosmic rays, and continues through subsequent hydrogen abstraction reactions involving H2. Given these reaction pathways, the observed abundances of these molecules are useful in constraining both the total cosmic-ray ionization rate of atomic hydrogen (ζH) and molecular hydrogen fraction (f_H_2). We present observations targeting transitions of OH+, H2O+, and H3O+ made with the Herschel Space Observatory along 20 Galactic sight lines toward bright submillimeter continuum sources. Both OH+ and H2O+ are detected in absorption in multiple velocity components along every sight line, but H3O+ is only detected along 7 sight lines. From the molecular abundances we compute f_H_2 in multiple distinct components along each line of sight, and find a Gaussian distribution with mean and standard deviation 0.042 ± 0.018. This confirms previous findings that OH+ and H2O+ primarily reside in gas with low H2 fractions. We also infer ζH throughout our sample, and find a lognormal distribution with mean log (ζH) = –15.75 (ζH = 1.78 × 10–16 s–1) and standard deviation 0.29 for gas within the Galactic disk, but outside of the Galactic center. This is in good agreement with the mean and distribution of cosmic-ray ionization rates previously inferred from H_3^+ observations. Ionization rates in the Galactic center tend to be 10-100 times larger than found in the Galactic disk, also in accord with prior studies.
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| 18. |
- Johansson, Daniel, 1980, et al.
(author)
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Molecular gas and dust in the highly magnified z similar to 2.8 galaxy behind the Bullet Cluster
- 2012
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 543, s. Article Number: A62 (pp. 1-10)
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. The gravitational magnification provided by massive galaxy clusters makes it possible to probe the physical conditions in distant galaxies that are of lower luminosity than those in blank fields and likely more representative of the bulk of the high-redshift galaxy population. Aims. We aim to constrain the basic properties of molecular gas in a strongly magnified submm galaxy located behind the massive Bullet Cluster (1E 0657-56). This galaxy (SMM J0658) is split into three images, with a total magnification factor of almost 100. Methods. We used the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) to search for (CO)-C-12(1-0) and (CO)-C-12(3-2) line emission from SMM J0658. We also used the SABOCA bolometer camera on the Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX) telescope to measure the continuum emission at 350 mu m. Results. CO(1-0) and CO(3-2) are detected at 6.8 sigma and 7.5 sigma significance when the spectra toward the two brightest images of the galaxy are combined. From the CO(1-0) luminosity we derive a mass of cold molecular gas of (1.8 +/- 0.3) x 10(9) M-circle dot, using the CO to H-2 conversion factor commonly used for luminous infrared galaxies. This is 45 +/- 25% of the stellar mass. From the width of the CO lines we derive a dynamical mass within the CO-emitting region L of (1.3 +/- 0.4) x 10(10)(L/1 kpc) M-circle dot. We refine the redshift determination of SMM J0658 to z = 2.7793 +/- 0.0003. The CO(3-2) to CO(1-0) brightness temperature ratio is 0.56(-0.15)(+0.21), which is similar to the values found in other star-forming galaxies. Continuum emission at 350 mu m from SMM J0658 was detected with SABOCA at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3.6. The flux density is consistent with previous measurements at the same wavelength by the Herschel satellite and BLAST balloon-borne telescope. We study the spectral energy distribution of SMM J0658 and derive a dust temperature of 33 +/- 5 K and a dust mass of 1.1(-0.3)(+0.8) x 10(7) M-circle dot. Conclusions. SMM J0658 is one of the least massive submm galaxies discovered so far. As a likely representative of the bulk of the submm galaxy population, it is a prime target for future observations.
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| 19. |
- Kawaguchi, K., et al.
(author)
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Detection of HF Toward PKS 1830-211, Search for Interstellar H2F+, and Laboratory Study of H2F+ and H2Cl+ Dissociative Recombination
- 2016
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In: Astrophysical Journal. - 1538-4357 .- 0004-637X. ; 822:2, s. Art. no. 115-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report extragalactic observations of two fluorine-bearing species, hydrogen fluoride (HF) and fluoronium (H2F+), in the z = 0.89 absorber in front of the lensed blazar PKS 1830-211 with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. HF was detected toward both southwest and northeast images of the blazar, with column densities >3.4 × 1014 cm-2 and 0.18 × 1014 cm-2, respectively. H2F+ was not detected, down to an upper limit (3?) of 8.8 × 1011 cm-2 and an abundance ratio of [H2F+]/[HF] 1/386. We also searched for H2F+ toward the Galactic sources NGC 6334 I and W51C, and toward Galactic center clouds with the Herschel HIFI spectrometer.6 The upper limit on the column density was derived to be 2.5 × 1011 cm-2 in NGC 6334 I, which is 1/68 of that for H2Cl+. In constrast, the ortho transition of H2Cl+ is detected toward PKS 1830-211. To understand the small abundance of interstellar H2F+, we carried out laboratory experiments to determine the rate constants for the ion-electron recombination reaction by infrared time-resolved spectroscopy. The constants determined are ke(209 K) = (1.1 ± 0.3) ×10-7 cm3 s-1 and (0.46 ± 0.05) ×10-7 cm3 s-1 for H2F+ and H2Cl+, respectively. The difference in the dissociative recombination rates between H2F+ and H2Cl+ by a factor ?2 and the cosmic abundance ratio [F]/[Cl] ? 1/6 are not enough to explain the much smaller abundance of H2F+. The difference in the formation mechanism of H2F+ and H2Cl+ in interstellar space would be a major factor in the small abundance of H2F+.
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| 20. |
- Kim, Y. H., et al.
(author)
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Hydrocarbon ions in the lower ionosphere of Saturn
- 2014
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In: Journal of Geophysical Research. - 0148-0227 .- 2156-2202. ; 119:1, s. 384-395
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- [1] Radio occultation measurements of the Saturn ionosphere have shown that persistent but variable electron density layers appear well below the major peaks. We model here the region of hydrocarbon ions that is below the main peak and is produced by absorption of solar photons in the wavelength range 842 to 1116 Å, which penetrate to altitudes below the methane homopause in the wings of the H2 absorption lines, and in the gaps between groups of lines. In this wavelength range, H2 absorbs photons in discrete transitions to rovibrational levels of electronically excited states, which then decay to a range of rovibrational levels of the electronic ground state, or to the continuum of the ground state. The cross sections for these discrete absorptions vary by several orders of magnitude from the peaks to the wings of the absorption lines. We find that the adoption of high resolution photoabsorption cross sections for the H2 bands leads to different photoionization profiles for both the hydrocarbons and H atoms, and to peak inline imagephotoproduction profiles that are more than an order of magnitude larger than those computed with low resolution cross sections. For the present model, we find that ionization by energetic electrons that accompany the absorption of soft X-rays appears in the same altitude range. We predict that a broad region of hydrocarbon ions appears well below the main peak, in the altitude range 600 to 1000 km above the 1 bar level (2–0.04 μbar) with a maximum electron density of ∼3×103cm−3 at low solar activity.
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| 21. |
- Koumpia, E., et al.
(author)
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Optical and near-infrared observations of the Fried Egg Nebula: Multiple shell ejections on a 100 yr timescale from a massive yellow hypergiant
- 2020
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 635
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. The fate of a massive star during the latest stages of its evolution is highly dependent on its mass-loss rate and geometry and therefore knowing the geometry of the circumstellar material close to the star and its surroundings is crucial. Aims. We aim to provide insight into the nature (i.e. geometry, rates) of mass-loss episodes, and in particular, the connection between the observed asymmetries due to the mass lost in a fast wind or during a previous, prodigious mass-losing phase. In this context, yellow hypergiants offer a good opportunity to study mass-loss events. Methods. We analysed a large set of optical and near-infrared data in spectroscopic and photometric, spectropolarimetric, and interferometric (GRAVITY/VLTI) modes, towards the yellow hypergiant IRAS 17163-3907. We used X-shooter optical observations to determine the spectral type of this yellow hypergiant and we present the first model-independent, reconstructed images of IRAS 17163-3907 at these wavelengths tracing milli-Arcsecond scales. Lastly, we applied a 2D radiative transfer model to fit the dereddened photometry and the radial profiles of published diffraction-limited VISIR images at 8.59 μm, 11.85 μm, and 12.81 μm simultaneously, adopting a revised distance determination using Gaia Data Release 2 measurements. Results. We constrain the spectral type of IRAS 17163-3907 to be slightly earlier than A6Ia (Teffâ ∼â 8500 K). The interferometric observables around the 2 μm window towards IRAS 17163-3907 show that the Brγ emission appears to be more extended and asymmetric than the Naâ » I and the continuum emission. Interestingly, the spectrum of IRAS 17163-3907 around 2 μm shows Mgâ » II emission that is not previously seen in other objects of its class. In addition, Brγ shows variability in a time interval of four months that is not seen towards Naâ » I. Lastly, in addition to the two known shells surrounding IRAS 17163-3907, we report on the existence of a third hot inner shell with a maximum dynamical age of only 30 yr. Conclusions. The 2 μm continuum originates directly from the star and not from hot dust surrounding the stellar object. The observed spectroscopic variability of Brγ could be a result of variability in the mass-loss rate. The interpretation of the presence of Naâ » I emission at closer distances to the star compared to Brγ has been a challenge in various studies. To address this, we examine several scenarios. We argue that the presence of a pseudo-photosphere, which was traditionally considered to be the prominent explanation, is not needed and that it is rather an optical depth effect. The three observed distinct mass-loss episodes are characterised by different mass-loss rates and can inform theories of mass-loss mechanisms, which is a topic still under debate both in theory and observations. We discuss these in the context of photospheric pulsations and wind bi-stability mechanisms.
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| 22. |
- Larsson, Bengt, et al.
(author)
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Molecular oxygen in the rho Ophiuchi cloud
- 2007
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In: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 466:3, s. 5-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context: Molecular oxygen, O2, has been expected historically to be an abundant component of the chemical species in molecular clouds and, as such, an important coolant of the dense interstellar medium. However, a number of attempts from both ground and from space have failed to detect O2 emission.Aims: The work described here uses heterodyne spectroscopy from space to search for molecular oxygen in the interstellar medium. Methods: The Odin satellite carries a 1.1 m sub-millimeter dish and a dedicated 119 GHz receiver for the ground state line of O2. Starting in 2002, the star forming molecular cloud core ρ Oph A was observed with Odin for 34 days during several observing runs.Results: We detect a spectral line at v_LSR =+3.5 km s-1 with Δ v_FWHM=1.5 km s-1, parameters which are also common to other species associated with ρ Oph A. This feature is identified as the O2 (NJ = 11 - 1_0) transition at 118 750.343 MHz.Conclusions: The abundance of molecular oxygen, relative to H{2} , is 5 × 10-8 averaged over the Odin beam. This abundance is consistently lower than previously reported upper limits.Based on observations with Odin, a Swedish-led satellite project funded jointly by the Swedish National Space Board (SNSB), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the National Technology Agency of Finland (Tekes) and Centre National d'Étude Spatiale (CNES). The Swedish Space Corporation has been the industrial prime contractor and also is operating the satellite. Appendix A is only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org
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| 23. |
- Liseau, René, 1949, et al.
(author)
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ALMA observations of α Centauri. First detection of main-sequence stars at 3 mm wavelength
- 2015
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 573, s. L4 (4 pages)-
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. The precise mechanisms that provide the non-radiative energy for heating the chromosphere and the corona of the Sun and those of other stars constitute an active field of research. By studying stellar chromospheres one aims at identifying the relevant physical processes. Defining the permittable extent of the parameter space can also serve as a template for the Sun-as-a-star. This feedback will probably also help identify stars that potentially host planetary systems that are reminiscent of our own.Aims: Earlier observations with Herschel and APEX have revealed the temperature minimum of α Cen, but these were unable to spatially resolve the binary into individual components. With the data reported in this Letter, we aim at remedying this shortcoming. Furthermore, these earlier data were limited to the wavelength region between 100 and 870 μm. In the present context, we intend to extend the spectral mapping (SED) to longer wavelengths, where the contrast between stellar photospheric and chromospheric emission becomes increasingly evident.Methods: The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is particularly suited to point sources, such as unresolved stars. ALMA provides the means to achieve our objectives with both its high sensitivity of the collecting area for the detection of weak signals and the high spatial resolving power of its adaptable interferometer for imaging close multiple stars.Results: This is the first detection of main-sequence stars at a wavelength of 3 mm. Furthermore, the individual components of the binary α Cen AB are clearly detected and spatially well resolved at all ALMA wavelengths. The high signal-to-noise ratios of these data permit accurate determination of their relative flux ratios, i.e., SyB / SyA> = 0.54 ± 0.04 at 440 μm, = 0.46 ± 0.01 at 870 μm, and = 0.47 ± 0.006 at 3.1 mm, respectively.Conclusions: The previously obtained flux ratio of 0.44±0.18, which was based on measurements in the optical and at 70 μm, is consistent with the present ALMA results, albeit with a large error bar. The observed 3.1 mm emission greatly exceeds what is predicted from the stellar photospheres, and undoubtedly arises predominantly as free-free emission in the ionized chromospheric plasmas of both stars. Given the distinct difference in their cyclic activity, the similarity of their submm SEDs appears surprising.
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| 24. |
- Liseau, René, 1949, et al.
(author)
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Multi-line detection of O2 toward rho Ophiuchi A
- 2012
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 541
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. Models of pure gas-phase chemistry in well-shielded regions of molecular clouds predict relatively high levels of molecular oxygen, O-2, and water, H2O. These high abundances imply high cooling rates, leading to relatively short timescales for the evolution of gravitationally unstable dense cores, forming stars and planets. Contrary to expectations, the dedicated space missions SWAS and Odin typically found only very small amounts of water vapour and essentially no O-2 in the dense star-forming interstellar medium. Aims. Only toward rho OphA did Odin detect a very weak line of O-2 at 119 GHz in a beam of size 10 arcmin. The line emission of related molecules changes on angular scales of the order of some tens of arcseconds, requiring a larger telescope aperture such as that of the Herschel Space Observatory to resolve the O-2 emission and pinpoint its origin. Methods. We use the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far Infrared (HIFI) aboard Herschel to obtain high resolution O-2 spectra toward selected positions in the rho Oph A core. These data are analysed using standard techniques for O2 excitation and compared to recent PDR-like chemical cloud models. Results. The N-J = 3(3)-1(2) line at 487.2 GHz is clearly detected toward all three observed positions in the rho Oph A core. In addition, an oversampled map of the 5(4)-3(4) transition at 773.8 GHz reveals the detection of the line in only half of the observed area. On the basis of their ratios, the temperature of the O-2 emitting gas appears to vary quite substantially, with warm gas (greater than or similar to 50 K) being adjacent to a much colder region, of temperatures lower than 30 K. Conclusions. The exploited models predict that the O-2 column densities are sensitive to the prevailing dust temperatures, but rather insensitive to the temperatures of the gas. In agreement with these models, the observationally determined O-2 column densities do not seem to depend strongly on the derived gas temperatures, but fall into the range N(O-2) = 3 to greater than or similar to 6 x 10(15) cm(-2). Beam-averaged O-2 abundances are about 5 x 10(-8) relative to H-2. Combining the HIFI data with earlier Odin observations yields a source size at 119 GHz in the range of 4 to 5 arcmin, encompassing the entire rho Oph A core. We speculate that one of the reasons for the generally very low detection rate of O-2 is the short period of time during which O-2 molecules are reasonably abundant in molecular clouds.
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| 25. |
- Liseau, René, 1949, et al.
(author)
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O(18)O and C(18)O observations of rho Ophiuchi A
- 2010
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 510:1, s. A98 -
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. Contrary to theoretical expectation, surprisingly low concentrations of molecular oxygen, O-2, have been found in the interstellar medium. Telluric absorption makes ground based O-2 observations essentially impossible and observations had to be done from space. Millimetre-wave telescopes on space platforms were necessarily small, which resulted in large, several arcminutes wide, beam patterns. Observations of the (N-J = 1(1)-1(0)) ground state transition of O-2 with the Odin satellite resulted in a greater than or similar to 5 sigma detection toward the dense core rho OphA. At the frequency of the line, 119 GHz, the Odin telescope has a beam width of 10', larger than the size of the dense core. Aims. The precise nature of the emitting source and its exact location and extent are therefore unknown. The current investigation is intended to remedy this. Methods. Although the Earth's atmosphere is entirely opaque to low-lying O-2 transitions, it allows ground based observations of the much rarer (OO)-O-16-O-18 in favourable conditions and at much higher angular resolution with larger telescopes. In addition, rho OphA exhibits both multiple radial velocity systems and considerable velocity gradients. Extensive mapping of the region in the proxy (CO)-O-18 (J = 3-2) line can be expected to help identify the O-2 source on the basis of its line shape and Doppler velocity. Line opacities were determined from observations of optically thin (CO)-C-13-O-18 (J = 3-2). During several observing periods, two C18O intensity maxima in rho OphA were searched for (OO)-O-18 in the (2(1)-0(1)) line at 234 GHz with the 12m APEX telescope. These positions are associated also with peaks in the mm-continuum emission from dust. Results. Our observations resulted in an upper limit on the integrated O18O intensity of integral T-A* dv 16. Combining Odin's O-2 with the present (OO)-O-18 observations we infer an O-2 abundance 5 x 10(-7)
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