Year: 2001
Type: article
Abstract: Observations show significant Hα emissions in the Galactic halo near the edges of cold gas clouds of the Magellanic Stream. The source of the ionization of the cold gas is still a wide-open question. In our paper we discuss the critical velocity effect as a possible explanation for the observed Hα emission. The critical velocity effect can yield a fast ionization of cold gas if this neutral gas passes through a magnetized plasma under suitable conditions. We show that for parameters that are typical for the Magellanic Stream, the critical velocity effect has to be considered as a possible ionization source of high relevance.
Source: The Astrophysical Journal
DOI: 10.1086/318690
Authors: C. Konz, H. Lesch, G. T. Birk, H. Wiechen
Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1997809199