Understanding Physical Conditions in High-redshift Galaxies Through C I Fine Structure Lines: Data and Methodology

• Published in: The Astrophysical journal Vol. 722; no. 1; pp. 460 - 490
• Main Authors: Jorgenson, Regina A, Wolfe, Arthur M, Prochaska, J. Xavier
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 10.10.2010; IOP
• Subjects: Astronomy; ASTROPHYSICS, COSMOLOGY AND ASTRONOMY; CHEMICAL REACTIONS; COSMIC RADIO SOURCES; DECOMPOSITION; Earth, ocean, space; ELEMENTS; EVOLUTION; Exact sciences and technology; GALACTIC EVOLUTION; GALAXIES; HYDROGEN; IONIZATION; MILKY WAY; NONMETALS; PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS; PHOTOLYSIS; QUASARS; RED SHIFT; STAR EVOLUTION; STARS; Galaxy evolution; Quasars; Intergalactic matter; Red shift; Galaxies; Molecular clouds; galaxies: evolution; quasars: absorption lines; Ionization equilibrium; intergalactic medium; Photodissociation; Column density; Milky Way; Precursor; Fine structure; Absorption line; Star formation; Standard deviation; Hydrogen molecules

We probe the physical conditions in high-redshift galaxies, specifically, the damped Ly{alpha} systems (DLAs) using neutral carbon (C I) fine structure lines and molecular hydrogen (H{sub 2}). We report five new detections of C I and analyze the C I in an additional two DLAs with previously publishe...