FORCAST has been used to collect 11.1 μm data of NGC 7023 (top left) which was then combined with FLITECAM 3.3 μm data and Spitzer/IRAC 8.0 μm data (top right) to yield a plot of the 11.2/3.3 μm flux ratio revealing the PAH size distribution (bottom). FORCAST observations provide higher angular resolution than Spitzer which thereby enables the PAH size distribution to be traced through the ratio of 11.2 μm emission to the SOFIA/FLITECAM 3.3 μm data.
The famous reflection nebula NGC 7023 was observed with FORCAST in order to better understand the photochemical evolution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) resulting from illumination by the nearby star HD 200775. Similarities to the H2 flux (contours) indicate that the smallest PAH molecules lie on the surface of the PDR.
Additional Information
NGC 7023
United States
