we propose to search for the infrared absorption features due to nitrogen-containing uv photoproducts and to sulfur containing molecules in interstellar ices. in addition, the proposed spectral region encompasses absorption features due to the c-h bending modes of organic species (e.g., methanol). detection of the nitrogen photoproducts would greatly enhance our understanding of the uv photoprocessing of interstellar ices, and could, by inference of the parent molecules, also yield significant information on the potentially important ice mantle species n2 and nh3, for which the abundances in the ices are currently not well known. similarly, detection of sulfur containing species in interstellar ices would greatly enhance our knowledge of the sulfur chemistry in dense clouds, which currently suffers from a lack of information on the chemical state of sulfur in this environment. thus, these observations could make an important contribution to understanding the chemical processes in dense clouds. the proposed observations supplement the central program, filling up some important gaps with respect to wavelength coverage and object variety.
Instrument
SWS06
Temporal Coverage
1996-03-19T07:00:59Z/1997-01-23T01:21:18Z
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.
European Space Agency, 1999, Ir Absorption Features Of Nitrogen And Sulfur Containing Molecules In Interstellar Ices, 1.0, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-srx2cql
