Low intensity H-beta emission from the interstellar medium

Abstract

A search for diffuse galactic H beta emission not associated with any known H II regions was conducted using a 2-inch-diamenter pressure-scanned Fabry-Perot spectrometer at the Coude focus of a 36-inch telescope. Observations were made near the directions of four pulsars. Emissions with intensities from 40,000 to 400,000 photons/sq cm sec ster (corresponding to emission measures of approximately 10 - 100) were detected in three of the directions. The data indicate an average ionization rate (assuming steady state) of approximately 10 to the minus 14th power/H-atom sec for the interstellar hydrogen in these directions and temperatures between 1000 and 10,000 K for the emitting regions. Plans were made to continue the investigation of these very faint hydrogen emission sources using a 6-inch-diameter Fabry-Perot spectrometer.