Observations of high velocity gas in the local interstellar medium

Red-shifted high velocity gas components (HVC) with velocities between 40 to 120 kms⁻¹ have been detected in UV spectra towards several stars observed with IUE. The gas producing the components is detected across several degrees in the sky but it is patchy in nature. The physical properties of the material responsible for the HVC appear quite similar to those derived from direct observations of supernova remnants. Recent additional observations of the gas kinematics have been made through high resolution spectra of the NaD lines. Also, IRAS maps of infrared dust emission are presented for one region of sky of particular interest. In this report we review the observational material and discuss possibilities for the nature and origin of the HVC gas.