| Description |
We propose to perform FIR spectroscopy of the warm and dense ISM (WADI) using the unique observational opportunities of Herschel to improve our understanding of the physical and chemical processes controlling the interaction between stars and their environment. The program will focus on four core topics,energy balance of photon-dominated regions (PDRs),photo-induced chemistry,PDR dynamics and kinematics,shock structures.Both radiative (FUV) and dynamical (shocks) processes will be probed,as key factors in the evolution of the ISM. They regulate star formation and may even govern galaxy evolution on large scales. Mostof the energy input in star-forming regions is released as FIR radiation, either as dust continuum or as gas cooling lines. The brightcooling lines from these regions are natural tracers of star formationactivity throughout the history of the cosmos; detailed understandingof their origin thus provides the basis for proper interpretation ofthe observations both of the Milky Way, as well as of nearby and distant galaxies. Herschel.s unprecedented spectral coverage at high spatial resolution combined with the spectral resolution of the HIFI instrument allows a detailed study of many key tracers of PDRs and shocks. This allows todeeply probe the interaction of stars with their surrounding throughradiation (PDRs) and shocks (SNRs). Observing a proper selection of prototype sources and key lines, will give insight into the details of the physical and chemical processes controlling each of the four core topics above, and will thus allow to model the FIR emission of star forming regions. |
| Instrument |
HIFI_HifiPoint_fs, HIFI_HifiPoint_load, HIFI_HifiPoint_pos, PACS_PacsRangeSpec_point, PACS_PacsLineSpec_point, HIFI_HifiPoint_dbs, HIFI_HifiMapping_load-raster, HIFI_HifiMapping_fly, PACS_PacsLineSpec_large |
