we propose to search for the features of h2o diluted in apolar ice towards sources obscured by dense clouds. the positions of these features are highly characteristic of the nature of the ice matrix, and a comparison of the observed spectra with laboratory data is therefore likely to provide important clues as to the chemical composition and morphological structure of interstellar ice mantles. the observation of such diluted h2o bands would be an excellent probe of the presence of infrared-inactive molecules like o2 and n2, which have been predicted to be abundant in interstellar ices. information obtained in this manner could lead to a better understanding of the various processes shaping the icy grain mantles in dense clouds, such as the clouds chemical evolution and gas-grain interactions through accretion and mantle desorption processes. iso represents the perfect opportunity to observe the features of diluted h2o ice, since they fall in the spectral regions dominated by gas-phase telluric water (2.65 - 2.8 microns and 5.73 - 6.58 microns) and are therefore unobservable with ground-based telescopes. these observations are intended to form a complementary data set to central program proposals (e.g. dwhittet_ice_band), filling up some major gaps with respect to wavelength coverage and object variety.
Instrument
SWS06
Temporal Coverage
1996-03-25T07:03:54Z/1996-03-25T07:56:10Z
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, SCHUTTE et al., 1999, 'IR ABSORPTION FEATURES OF H2O DILUTED IN APOLAR ICES', 1.0, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-58oc137
