Detection of Interstellar PN: The First Identified Phosphorus Compound in the Interstellar Medium
Abstract
Interstellar PN has been identified in Ori (KL), W51M, and Sgr B2, by observations of its J = 2-1, 3-2, and 5-4 rotational transitions. PN appears to occur in regions of relatively high excitation, with fractional abundances of (1-10) x 10 to the -11th. Ion-molecule gas-phase reactions involving P at low temperatures cannot account for the observed PN abundances, especially when combined with upper limits for interstellar PO. Other processes, such as high-temperature gas-phase reactions (unlikely) or grain disruption, seem necessary to explain interstellar PN.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- October 1987
- DOI:
- 10.1086/185009
- Bibcode:
- 1987ApJ...321L..75T
- Keywords:
-
- Interstellar Chemistry;
- Interstellar Matter;
- Molecular Spectra;
- Phosphorus Compounds;
- Abundance;
- Molecular Clouds;
- Molecular Rotation;
- Nitrides;
- Astrophysics;
- INTERSTELLAR: ABUNDANCES;
- INTERSTELLAR: MOLECULES