we propose raster imaging of the field around cygnus a at 60 microns and 12 microns to search for synchrotron emission from the radio hot spots. these observations will constrain the hot spot spectra in an hither-to unexplored wavelength region. we will look for the exponential cut-off, which lies somewhere between 375 ghz and 3x10^14 hz, as inferred from radio detections and optical upper limits. determining the spectral cut-offs will allow for fully consistent models to be developed for the particle acceleration and loss mechanisms in the hot spots, as well as allow for derivation of many of the basic physical parameters in the hot spots (such as shock width, inflow and outflow velocities, magnetic field strengths, internal pressures, advance speeds). such data will also support the synchrotron self-compton interpretation for the origin of the x-ray emission from the hot spots in cygnus a. the spatial resolution at 12 microns is sufficient to search for the specific sites of the most active particle injection. the region imaged will also be large enough to search for star forming galaxies in the cygnus a cluster via their thermal dust emission. knowledge of the galaxy content of this cluster is otherwise problematic due to the confusion by galactic stars.
Instrument
CAM01 , PHT32
Temporal Coverage
1996-03-28T10:04:50Z/1996-03-28T12:15:28Z
Version
1.0
Mission Description
The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) was the world's first true orbiting infrared observatory. Equipped with four highly-sophisticated and versatile scientific instruments, it was launched by Ariane in November 1995 and provided astronomers world-wide with a facility of unprecedented sensitivity and capabilities for a detailed exploration of the Universe at infrared wavelengths.
