Spectra, Variability, Size, and Polarization of H ₂ O Microwave Emission Sources in the Galaxy

Abstract

Radio spectral line radiation of water molecules at a wavelength of 1.35 centimeters has been measured from eight sources in the galaxy. The sources are less than I arc minute in diameter, have extremely high brightness temperatures, and show many spectral features. Some spectral features are slightly polarized and some have changed greatly in intensity in a few weeks time.