The submillimeter spectrum of the cosmic background radiation

TLDR

A rocket‑borne, liquid‑helium‑cooled absolute radiometer measured the diffuse sky brightness in six submillimeter passbands. The measurements show that the 1160‑µm flux agrees with the cosmic background temperature, while shorter‑wavelength fluxes (709 and 481 µm) exhibit a rapid decline yet imply higher temperatures, with no local source identified, and the excess spectrum strongly constrains cosmological models, whereas the 262, 137, and 102‑µm data are consistent with interstellar dust emission. Published in The Astrophysical Journal (June 1988), DOI 10.1086/166403.

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (186) References (20) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The Submillimeter Spectrum of the Cosmic Background Radiation Matsumoto, T. ; Hayakawa, S. ; Matsuo, H. ; Murakami, H. ; Sato, S. ; Lange, A. E. ; Richards, P. L. Abstract The diffuse brightness of the sky has been measured in six submillimeter passbands, using a rocket-borne, liquid helium-cooled, absolute radiometer. The flux measured at 1160 microns (8.6 cm^-1^) is in good agreement with the average of longer wavelength measurements of the temperature of the cosmic background radiation. The fluxes measured at 709 microns and 481 microns (14 and 21 cm^-1^) show a rapid decrease toward shorter wavelength, but correspond to significantly higher temperatures. No local source of this excess flux has been identified. The spectrum of the excess significantly constrains cosmological models. Data at 262, 137, and 102 microns (38, 73, and 98 cm^-1^) are consistent with emission from interstellar dust. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: June 1988 DOI: 10.1086/166403 Bibcode: 1988ApJ...329..567M Keywords: Background Radiation; Radio Astronomy; Relic Radiation; Submillimeter Waves; Earth Atmosphere; Liquid Helium; Radiometers; Rocket-Borne Instruments; Space Radiation; COSMIC BACKGROUND RADIATION full text sources ADS |