we propose to perform broadband spectroscopy of the bulge of m31. these observations will allow us to compare the bulge of m31 with guaranteed time observations of the disk regions as well as to make comparisons with the galactic bulge, as observed by iso and other instruments. the bulge of m31 is surprisingly different from that of our own galaxy, especially considering the global similarity of the two galaxies. the bulge of m31 contains far less molecular gas or hi than the galaxy, though some emission from ionized (hii) gas is known. on the other hand, the bulge of m31 contains far more x-ray emission, both point and diffuse sources, than within a similar region of our own galaxy. the m31 bulge is known to be a strong ir source from iras observations, particularly in the 60 and 100 micron range. this long wavelength emission is suspected to be due to interstellar dust clouds. our proposed spectroscopy will allow us to study the thermal emission from this dust, to detect the emission from molecular or ionized gas, and to determine the elemental abundances in the core of m31.
Instrument
LWS01 , SWS01
Temporal Coverage
1996-12-20T21:09:09Z/1997-06-18T15:31:29Z
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, MAGNIER et al., 1998, 'A BROADBAND SPECTRAL STUDY OF THE BULGE OF M31', 1.0, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-i52zmsv
