Probing Giant Molecular Cloud Cores with Millimeter and Submillimeter Observations of C18O and Dust

摘要: Giant molecular cloud cores are extremely complex regions. Despite extensive observations starting with the first detection of carbon monoxide in interstellar space, we really do not understand their density structure, nor velocity distribution material within them. These parameters obviously critical to our understanding process massive star formation that occurs GMC cores, and mass spectrum stars results. The dramatic improvement observational capability at millimeter submillimeter wavelengths during past years now allows observation optically thin tracers be carried out over large parts cores. It is thus increasingly important capabilities different tracers, this presentation describe work using both gas dust as these Each has its advantages disadvantages; emission largely free excitation issues certainly wavelengths, but emissivity well known. Molecular suffer from uncertainties due excitation, chemistry may produce variations abundance. However, spectral lines offer kinematic information.