Conversion of HI Molecule to H2 Molecule

Authors

  • Arjun Kumar Gautam Department of Physics, Mahendra Multiple Campus, Nepalgunj

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/hj.v5i0.12878

Keywords:

HI Molecule, H2 Molecule, Interstellar dust grain, Time scale, Hyperfine transition, Theoretical model

Abstract

In this article I review the historical development and conversion of atomic to molecular hydrogen in astronomy. I discuss how the discoveries of HI and H2 in the interstellar medium were followed by studies of the relative abundance of atomic and molecular gas. Understanding this led to increasingly sophisticated theoretical models for H2 formation on the surface of interstellar dust grains. In certain situations, astronomical data can be used to constrain the formation rate of H2 molecules. Finally, I use the reasonably well-determined chemistry of HI and H2 to determine the overall timescale of star formation.

The Himalayan Physics

Vol. 5, No. 5, Nov. 2014

Page: 82-86

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Published

2015-07-05

How to Cite

Gautam, A. K. (2015). Conversion of HI Molecule to H2 Molecule. Himalayan Physics, 5, 82–86. https://doi.org/10.3126/hj.v5i0.12878

Issue

Vol. 5 (2014)

Section

Articles