Understanding Galaxy Formation with ISO Deep Surveys

We present the results obtained through the various ISO extragalactic deep surveys. Although IRAS revealed the existence of galaxies forming stars at a rate of a few tens (LIRGs) or even hundreds (ULIRGs) solar masses in the local universe, ISO not only discovered that these galaxies were already in place at redshift one, but also that they are not the extreme objects that we once believed them to be. Instead they appear to play a dominant role in shaping present-day galaxies as reflected by their role in the cosmic history of star formation and in producing the cosmic infrared background detected by the COBE satellite in the far infrared to sub-millimeter range. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

Late Stages of Stellar Evolution

A large fraction of ISO observing time was used to study the late stages of stellar evolution. Many molecular and solid state features, including crystalline silicates and the rotational lines of water vapour, were detected for the first time in the spectra of (post-)Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars. Their analysis has greatly improved our knowledge of stellar atmospheres and circumstellar environments. A surprising number of objects, particularly young planetary nebulae with Wolf-Rayet (WR) central stars, were found to exhibit emission features in their ISO spectra that are characteristic of both oxygen-rich and carbon-rich dust species, while far-IR observations of the PDR around NGC 7027 led to the first detections of the rotational line spectra of CH and CH⁺. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

Pre-Main Sequence Stars Seen by ISO

Observations of pre-main sequence objects (T Tauri, Herbig Ae/Be and FU Orionis stars) obtained with the instrumentation on board the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) are reviewed. All the observations have been mainly carried out by using the two spectrographs SWS and LWS, adopting their low resolution modes and such data have been used both for lines detection and to reconstruct the spectral energy distributions. Line emission and photometric behaviour of pre-main sequence objects have been analyzed in the framework of the current models, discussing the agreement (or disagreement) with them and trying to derive the questions which should be answered by the forthcoming FIR instrumentation. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

ISO's Contribution to the Study of Clusters of Galaxies

Starting with nearby galaxy clusters like Virgo and Coma, and continuing out to the furthest galaxy clusters for which ISO results have yet been published (z = 0.56), we discuss the development of knowledge of the infrared and associated physical properties of galaxy clusters from early IRAS observations, through the “ISO-era” to the present, in order to explore the status of ISO's contribution to this field. Relevant IRAS and ISO programmes are reviewed, addressing both the cluster galaxies and the still-very-limited evidence for an infrared-emitting intra-cluster medium. ISO made important advances in knowledge of both nearby and distant galaxy clusters, such as the discovery of a major cold dust component in Virgo and Coma cluster galaxies, the elaboration of the correlation between dust emission and Hubble-type, and the detection of numerous Luminous Infrared Galaxies (LIRGs) in several distant clusters. These and consequent achievements are underlined and described. We recall that, due to observing time constraints, ISO's coverage of higher-redshift galaxy clusters to the depths required to detect and study statistically significant samples of cluster galaxies over a range of morphological types could not be comprehensive and systematic, and such systematic coverage of distant clusters will be an important achievement of the Spitzer Observatory. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom) and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

Normal Nearby Galaxies

Following on from IRAS, ISO has provided a huge advancement in our knowledge of the phenomenology of the infrared (IR) emission of normal galaxies and the underlying physical processes. Highlights include the discovery of an extended cold dust emission component, present in all types of gas-rich galaxies and carrying the bulk of the dust luminosity; the definitive characterisation of the spectral energy distribution in the IR, revealing the channels through which stars power the IR light; the derivation of realistic geometries for stars and dust from ISO imaging; the discovery of cold dust associated with H I extending beyond the optical body of galaxies; the remarkable similarity of the near-IR (NIR)/mid-IR (MIR) SEDs for spiral galaxies, revealing the importance of the photo-dissociation regions in the energy budget for that wavelength range; the importance of the emission from the central regions in shaping up the intensity and the colour of the global MIR luminosity; the discovery of the “hot” NIR continuum emission component of interstellar dust; the predominance of the diffuse cold neutral medium as the origin for the main interstellar cooling line, [C II] 158 μm, in normal galaxies. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

The European Large Area ISO Survey

The European Large Area ISO Survey (ELAIS) was the largest Open Time survey on the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). It was designed to explore obscured galaxies and hence quantify the recent star-formation history of the Universe. The final reanalysis of the data has been completed and a band-merged catalogue with associations across many wavelengths compiled and released the data to the global astronomical community (http://astro.imperial.ac.uk/Elais/). This paper summarises some of the key results. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

ISO Observations of Pre-Stellar Cores and Young Stellar Objects

We summarize the observations of the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) concerning the earliest stages of the stellar formation. The observations of samples of sources in different evolutionary stages are reviewed, addressing in particular how the physical and chemical properties of the protostellar environments change from the pre-stellar cores to the protostars at the end of their accretion phase. In addition, the mid-IR surveys in nearby star-forming regions are discussed, showing their implications for the understanding of the stellar initial mass function. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

The Planets and Titan Observed by ISO

Infrared spectroscopic observations of planets and Saturn's satellite Titan with the Infrared Space Observatory led to many significant discoveries that improved our understanding on the formation, physics and chemistry of these objects. The prime results achieved by ISO are: (1) a new and consistent determination of the D/H ratios on the giant planets and Titan; (2) the first precise measurement of the ¹⁵N/¹⁴N ratio in Jupiter, a valuable indicator of the protosolar nitrogen isotopic ratio; (3) the first detection of an external oxygen flux for all giant planets and Titan; (4) the first detection of some stratospheric hydrocarbons (CH₃, C₂H₄, CH₃C₂H, C₄H₂, C₆H₆); (5) the first detection of tropospheric water in Saturn; (6) the tentative detection of carbonate minerals on Mars; (7) the first thermal lightcurve of Pluto. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

Molecular Hydrogen

Observations of H₂ line emission in galactic and extragalactic environments obtained with the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) are reviewed. The diagnostic capability of H₂ observations is illustrated. We discuss what one has learned about such diverse astrophysical sources as photon-dominated regions, shocks, young stellar objects, planetary nebulae and starburst galaxies from ISO observations of H₂ emission. In this context, we emphasise use of measured H₂ line intensities to infer important physical quantities such as the gas temperature, gas density and radiation field and we discuss the different possible excitation mechanisms of H₂. We also briefly consider future prospects for observation of H₂ from space and from the ground. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

Obscured Activity: AGN, Quasars, Starbursts and ULIGs Observed by the Infrared Space Observatory

Some of the most ‘active’ galaxies in the Universe are obscured by large quantities of dust and emit a substantial fraction of their bolometric luminosity in the infrared. Observations of these infrared luminous galaxies with the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) have provided a relatively unabsorbed view to the sources fuelling this active emission. The improved sensitivity, spatial resolution and spectroscopic capability of ISO over its predecessor Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) of enabled significant advances in the understanding of the infrared properties of active galaxies. ISO surveyed a wide range of active galaxies which, in the context of this review, includes those powered by intense bursts of star formation as well as those containing a dominant active galactic nucleus (AGN). Mid-infrared imaging resolved for the first time the dust enshrouded nuclei in many nearby galaxies, while a new era in infrared spectroscopy was opened by probing a wealth of atomic, ionic and molecular lines as well as broad band features in the mid- and far-infrared. This was particularly useful, since it resulted in the understanding of the power production, excitation and fuelling mechanisms in the nuclei of active galaxies including the intriguing but so far elusive ultraluminous infrared galaxies. Detailed studies of various classes of AGN and quasars greatly improved our understanding of the unification scenario. Far-infrared imaging and photometry revealed the presence of a new very cold dust component in galaxies and furthered our knowledge of the far-infrared properties of faint starbursts, ULIGs and quasars. We summarise almost nine years of key results based on ISO data spanning the full range of luminosity and type of active galaxies.     

High Excitation ISM and Gas

An overview is given of ISO results on regions of high excitation ISM and gas, i.e. HII regions, the Galactic Centre and Supernova Remnants. IR emission due to fine-structure lines, molecular hydrogen, silicates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dust are summarised, their diagnostic capabilities illustrated and their implications highlighted. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

The Cool Interstellar Medium

Infrared spectroscopy and photometry with ISO covering most of the emission range of the interstellar medium has led to important progress in the understanding of the physics and chemistry of the gas, the nature and evolution of the dust grains and also the coupling between the gas and the grains. We review here the ISO results on the cool and low-excitation regions of the interstellar medium, where T _gas≲ 500 K, n _H∼ 100–10⁵ cm⁻³ and the electron density is a few 10⁻⁴. JEL codes: D24, L60, 047 Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

Infrared Sky Surveys

A retrospective is given on infrared sky surveys from Thomas Edison’s proposal in the late 1870s to IRAS, the first sensitive mid- to far-infrared all-sky survey, and the mid-1990s experiments that filled in the IRAS deficiencies. The emerging technology for space-based surveys is highlighted, as is the prominent role the US Defense Department, particularly the Air Force, played in developing and applying detector and cryogenic sensor advances to early mid-infrared probe-rocket and satellite-based surveys. This technology was transitioned to the infrared astronomical community in relatively short order and was essential to the success of IRAS, COBE and ISO. Mention is made of several of the little known early observational programs that were superseded by more successful efforts.     

The Ice Survey Opportunity of ISO

The instruments on board the Infrared Space Observatory have for the first time allowed a complete low (PHOT, CVF) to medium resolution (SWS) spectroscopic harvest, from 2.5 to 45 μm, of interstellar dust. Amongst the detected solids present in starless molecular clouds surrounding recently born stellar and still embedded objects or products of the chemistry in some mass loss envelopes, the so-called “ice mantles” are of specific interest. They represent an interface between the very refractory carbonaceous and silicates materials that built the first grains with the rich chemistry taking place in the gas phase. Molecules condense, react on ices, are subjected to UV and cosmic ray irradiation at low temperatures, participating efficiently to the evolution toward more complex molecules, being in constant interaction in an ice layer. They also play an important role in the radiative transfer of molecular clouds and strongly affect the gas phase chemistry. ISO results shed light on many other species than H₂O ice. The detection of these van der Waal's solids is mainly performed in absorption. Each ice feature observed by ISO spectrometer is an important species, with abundance in the 10⁻⁴–10⁻⁷ range with respect to H₂. Such high abundances represent a substantial reservoir of matter that, once released later on, replenishes the gas phase and feeds the ladder of molecular complexity. Medium resolution spectroscopy also offers the opportunity to look at individual line profiles of the ice features, and therefore to progressively reveal the interactions taking place in the mantles. This article will give a view on selected results to avoid to overlap with the numerous reviews the reader is invited to consult (e.g. van Dishoeck, in press; Gibb et al., 2004.). Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

Olbers an interplanetary probe to study visible and infrared diffuse backgrounds

The visible extragalactic background (though as yet undetected) is insufficient to explain the abundance of heavy elements in galaxies: either there should be some diffuse extragalactic light in the near infrared (from 1 to 10 m) and/or in the far infrared (100 m) if dust has reprocessed the star light. We propose a new space mission to be dedicated to the search and mapping of primordial stellar light from the visible to the mid-infrared (20 m). In this spectrum range, detectors have reached such a sensitivity that the mission should aim at being (source) photon noise limited, and not any longer background photon noise limited. For that purpose, a small passively cooled telescope with large format CCDs and CIDs could be sent beyond the zodiacal dust cloud (which is absent beyond a solar distance of about 3 AU). In that case, the only remaining foregrounds before reaching the extragalactic background, is due to the Milky Way integrated emission from stars and the diffuse galactic light due to scattering and emission by interstellar dust, which are all unavoidable. Maps of the extragalactic light could be obtained at the arcminute resolution with high signal to noise ratio. This mission is the next logical step after IRAS, COBE and ISO for the study of extragalactic IR backgrounds. It has been proposed as a possible medium-sized mission for the post-horizon 2000 ESA program that could be a piggy back of a planetary mission.     

The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO)

The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO), a fully approved and funded project of ESA, will operate at wavelengths from 3–200 microns. The satellite essentially consists of a large cryostat containing about 2300 litres of superfluid helium to maintain the telescope (primary mirror diameter of 60 cm) and the scientific instruments at temperatures between 2K and 8K. A pointing accuracy of a few arc seconds is provided by a three-axis-stabilisation system. ISO's instrument complement consists of four instruments, namely: an imaging photo-polarimeter (3–200 microns), a camera (3–17 microns), a short wavelength spectrometer (3–45 microns) and a long wavelength spectrometer (45–180 microns). ISO's scheduled launch date is May 1993 and it will be operational for at least 18 months. In keeping with ISO's role as an observatory, two-thirds of its observing time will be made available to the general astronomical community via several Calls for Observing Proposals.     

Space Debris Reentry Analysis Methods and Tools

The reentry of uncontrolled spacecraft may be broken into many pieces of debris at an altitude in the range of 75-85 km. The surviving fragments could pose great hazard and risk to ground and people. In recent years, methods and tools for predicting and analyzing debris reentry and ground risk assessment have been studied and developed in National Aeronautics and Space Ad-ministration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA) and other organizations, including the group of the present authors. This paper reviews the current progress on this topic of debris reentry briefly. We outline the Monte Carlo method for uncertainty analysis, breakup prediction, and parameters affecting survivability of debris. The existing analysis tools can be classified into two categories, i.e. the object-oriented and the spacecraft-oriented methods, the latter being more accurate than the first one. The past object-oriented tools include objects of only simple shapes. For more realistic simulation, here we present an object-oriented tool debris reentry and ablation prediction system (DRAPS) developed by the present authors, which introduces new object shapes to 15 types, as well as 51 predefined motions and relevant aerodynamic and aerothermal models. The aerodynamic and aerothermal models in DRAPS are validated using direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method.     

β Cep stars from a spectroscopic point of view

In this review we present the current status of line-profile-variation studies of β Cep stars. Such studies have been performed for 26 bright members of this class of pulsating stars in the past 25 years. We describe all these currently available data and summarize the interpretations based on them in terms of the excited pulsation modes. We emphasize that line-profile variations offer a much more detailed picture of the pulsational behaviour of pulsating stars compared to ground-based photometric data. The latter, however, remain necessary to unravel the often complex frequency pattern and to achieve unambiguous mode identification for multiperiodic β Cep stars and also to derive the pulsational properties of the faint members of the class. We highlight the statistical properties of the sample of 26 stars for which accurate spectroscopic studies are available and point out some future prospects. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Cometary dynamics

The modern theory of cometary dynamics is based on Oort's hypothesis that the solar system is surrounded by a spherically symmetric cloud of 10¹¹ to 10¹² comets extending out to interstellar distances. Dynamical modeling and analysis of cometary motion have confirmed the ability of the Oort hypothesis to explain the observed distribution of energies for the long-period comet orbits. The motion of comets in the Oort cloud is controlled by perturbations from random passing stars, interstellar clouds, and the galactic gravitational field. Additionally, comets which enter the planetary region are perturbed by the major planets and by nongravitational forces resulting from jetting of volatiles on the surfaces of the cometary nuclei. The current Oort cloud is estimated to have a radius of 6 to 8 × 10⁴ AU, and to contain some 2 × 10¹² comets with a total mass of 7 to 8 Earth masses. Evidence has begun to accumulate for the existence of a massive inner Oort cloud extending from just beyond the orbit of Neptune to 10⁴ AU or more, with a population up to 100 times that of the outer Oort cloud. This inner cloud may serve as a reservoir to replenish the outer cloud as comets are stripped away by the various perturbers, and may also provide a more efficient source for the short-period comets. Recent suggestions of an unseen solar companion star or a tenth planet orbiting in the inner cloud and causing periodic comet showers on the Earth are likely unfounded. The formation site of the comets in the Oort cloud was likely the extended nebula accretion disc reaching from about 15 to 500 AU from the forming protosun. Comets which escape from the Oort cloud contribute to the flux of interstellar comets, though capture of interstellar comets by the solar system is extremely unlikely. The existence of Oort clouds around other main sequence stars has been suggested by the detection by the IRAS spacecraft of cool dust shells around about 10% of nearby stars.     

The population of massive stars in R136 from HST/FOC UV observations

New ultraviolet (1300 A, 3400 A),HST FOC observations have been used to derive the UV color-magnitude diagram (CMD) of R136, with the main scientific goal of studying the upper end of the stellar mass function at ultraviolet wavelengths where the color degeneracy encountered in visual CMDs is less severe. The CMD has been compared to a set of theoretical isochrones, which have been computed using the latest generation of evolutionary models and model atmospheres for early type stars. Wolf-Rayet stars are included. Comparison of theTheoretical andobserved CMD suggests that there are no stars brighter than M₁₃₀–11. We use the observed main sequence turn-off and the known spectroscopic properties of the stellar population to derive constraints on the most probable age of R136. The presence of WNL stars and the lack of red supergiants suggests a most likely age of 3±1 Myr. A theoretical isochrone of 3±1 Myr is consistent with the observed stellar content of R136 if the most massive stars have initial masses around 50 M.Bases on Observations with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the STScI, which is operated by AURA, Inc., under NASA contract NAS5-26555.Astrophysics Division, Space Science Department, ESA