High-resolution studies of the galactic equator region

Abstract

A large program of observations is being undertaken with the 210-foot telescope at Parkes, to study the fine structure of the 21-cm line emission in the region of the galactic equator. With the aid of a multi-channel receiver, H-line profiles have been obtained every 6 min of arc (i.e. every half-beamwidth) along the equator from lII=300 to 60°, and also from bII = −3 to +3° along a number of constant-longitude lines. The bandwidth of each channel of the receiver is equivalent to 8 · 0 km/sec, with a spacing of 7 · 0 km/sec between the centres of adjacent channels. The data have been recorded on punched paper tape, and the main reduction is being carried out on the SILLIAC computer of the University of Sydney. A sample group of profiles, illustrating the great variability from point to point, has been published previously (Kerr 1962b).