IR STIG Webinar

Extending HgCdTe Spectral Response Beyond 16 Microns

Dr. Craig McMurtry (University of Rochester)

We will discuss the development and performance of very long-wave infrared HgCdTe detector arrays for space missions.

The Assembly and Dispersal of Molecular Clouds with the FEEDBACK Legacy Program

Dr. Lars Bonne (SOFIA / USRA)

I will present high spectral resolution observations of the ionized carbon fine structure line at 158 μm ([CII]) from the SOFIA FEEDBACK legacy survey that is mapping 11 Galactic high-mass star forming regions. [CII] observations are particularly interesting as it is a unique tracer of the CO-dark molecular gas and photodissociation regions (PDRs) at the surface of molecular clouds. First, I will present the [CII] observations towards the DR21 ridge in Cygnus-X. There, [CII] unveils that the assembly of this massive star forming ridge is the result of a high-velocity (~20 km/s) colliding flow. The dynamics surrounding the ridge also suggest that the collision curves the magnetic field and sets the cloud geometry. In the second part, I will present studies focusing on clouds that experience the mechanical impact of stellar feedback from high-mass stars. In these clouds, [CII] unveils high-velocity mass ejection that is not seen in CO. Quantifying the mass ejection rate shows that stellar feedback can disperse these star forming clouds in only a few Myr. These results point to a consistent scenario for molecular cloud evolution and star formation on relatively short timescales of a few Myr. Far-infrared fine structure lines are thus important tools to pin down the physical processes that drive the evolution of the interstellar medium (ISM) and its connection to star formation. In the near future, the GUSTO balloon mission will allow similar studies on a significantly larger and unbiased cloud sample.

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