On the Apparent Associations between Interstellar Neutral Hydrogen Structure and (WMAP) High Frequency Continuum Emission

摘要: Galactic neutral hydrogen (HI) within a few hundred parsecs of the Sun contains structure with an angular distribution that is similar to small-scale observed by Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP). A total 108 associated pairs HI and WMAP features have now been cataloged using data mapped in 2 km/s intervals these show typical offset 0.8 degrees. large-scale statistical test for direct association carried out casts little additional light on whether small offsets are merely coincidental or carry information. To pursue issue further, nature several foreground most closely examined detail it shown cross-correlation coefficient well-matched structures order unity. It free-free emission from electrons unresolved density enhancements interstellar space could theoretically produce high-frequency radio continuum radiation at levels such will appear nearly flat across frequency range. Evidence medium already exists literature. Until higher resolution observations as well apparently become available, may be difficult rule possibility some if not all usually attributed cosmic microwave background galactic origin.