molecular oxygen 16^o_2 is a key element in interstellar chemistry networks. because of interference of telluric oxygen it can only be observed by space telescopes. however, due to its homonuclear nature, infrared transitions (magnetic dipole, electric quadrupole) are weak. a search is proposed for most promising sources: 1) deep integration on the cool dense sgr b2 cloud in two lines (138 and 165 micron) in case of a autumn launch, 2) deep integration on orion pk1 (6.4, 119 and 138 micron) in case of a spring launch. both observations should yield possible results for o_2 abundances being in a range as given in different chemical models and should allow to improve our knowledge of interstellar oxygen abundance and chemistry.
Instrument
LWS01 , LWS04
Temporal Coverage
1997-03-24T07:43:21Z/1997-03-24T09:35:55Z
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, Drapatz et al., 1998, 'SEARCH FOR INTERSTELLAR MOLECULAR OXYGEN', 1.0, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-y1fzd8p
