On the rotational energy distributions of reactive, non-polar species in the interstellar medium

R. J. Glinski, E. P. Hoy, C. R. Downum

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A basic model for the formation of non-equilibrium rotational energy distributions is described for reactive, homo-polar diatomic molecules and ions in the interstellar medium. Kinetic models were constructed to calculate the rotational populations of C2+ under the conditions it would experience in the diffuse interstellar medium. As the non-polar ion reacts with molecular hydrogen, but not atomic hydrogen, the thermalization of a hot nascent rotational population will be arrested by chemical reaction when the H2 density begins to be significant. Populations that deviate strongly from the local thermodynamic equilibrium are predicted for2+ in environments where it may be detectable. Consequences of this are discussed and a new optical spectrum is calculated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)319-327
Number of pages9
JournalAstrophysics and Space Science
Volume343
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2013
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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