The galaxy's 157 micron (C II) emission - Observations by means of a spectroscopic lunar occultation technique

Abstract

The authors have obtained a first, direct estimate of galactic [C II] 157 μm, fine-structure emission. At a galactic longitude of 8°, the peak power observed in a 7arcmin×7arcmin field is ≡5×10<SUP>-9</SUP> W cm<SUP>-2</SUP> sr<SUP>-1</SUP>. The method used to detect this radiation involved chopping against the cold side of the Moon.