Molecular hydrogen

Book chapter (2005)

Authors

Emilie Habart INAF-Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri
Malcolm Walmsley INAF-Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri
Laurent Verstraete Université Paris-Saclay
S.M. Cazaux INAF-Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri
Roberto Maiolino INAF-Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri
Pierre Cox Université Paris-Saclay
Francois Boulanger Université Paris-Saclay
Guillaume Pineau Des Forêts Université Paris-Saclay
Affiliation
External organisation
Star formation Infrared: galaxies ISM: molecules ISM: clouds Circumstellar matter Molecular processes Infrared: spectroscopy Molecular hydrogen
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Published Date

2005

Language

English

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Affiliation

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Abstract

Observations of H2 line emission in galactic and extragalactic environments obtained with the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) are reviewed. The diagnostic capability of H2 observations is illustrated. We discuss what one has learned about such diverse astrophysical sources as photon-dominated regions, shocks, young stellar objects, planetary nebulae and starburst galaxies from ISO observations of H2 emission. In this context, we emphasise use of measured H2 line intensities to infer important physical quantities such as the gas temperature, gas density and radiation field and we discuss the different possible excitation mechanisms of H2. We also briefly consider future prospects for observation of H2 from space and from the ground.