the physical properties of the hypothesized obscuring tori in the nuclei of seyfert 2 galaxies are still not understood. the 6.9 micron emission line of h_2 (0-0) s(5) is believed to be the brightest line produced in the torus. we propose to observe cygnus a with iso sws to detect this line with aot sws02. it would enable us to constrain the physical conditions in the torus in cygnus a. the ratio (0-0)s(5)/(1-0)s(1) would provide us with a powerful diagnostic of the h_2 excitation mechanism.
Instrument
SWS02
Temporal Coverage
1996-10-29T04:17:45Z/1996-10-29T05:30:31Z
Version
1.0
Mission Description
The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) was the worlds 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.
European Space Agency, BARVAINIS et al., 1998, 'H_2 EMISSION FROM THE MOLECULAR TORUS IN CYGNUS A', 1.0, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-c2rjivt
