Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Physical Conditions In The Interstellar Medium Toward Hd 185418, Gargi Shaw, Gary J. Ferland, R. Srianand, N. P. Abel

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

We have developed a complete model of the hydrogen molecule as part of the spectral simulation code Cloudy. Our goal is to apply this to spectra of high-redshift star-forming regions where H₂ absorption is seen, but where few other details are known, to understand its implication for star formation. The microphysics of H₂ is intricate, and it is important to validate these numerical simulations in better understood environments. This paper studies a well-defined line of sight through the Galactic interstellar medium (ISM) as a test of the microphysics and methods we use. We present a self-consistent calculation of …