Abstract
We present high S/N (>800) Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph observations of the weak interstellar O I] λ1356 absorption in the low-density sight lines toward ι Ori and κ Ori. By comparing these data with observations toward more reddened stars, we find no evidence of density-dependent depletion from the gas phase for oxygen. The derived total oxygen abundance (gas plus grains) toward ι Ori and κ Ori is consistent with stellar and nebular determinations in Orion at a level that is one-half the solar value. We speculate that the O/H abundance ratio is lower in Orion compared to the Sun because the local Milky Way has suffered a recent infall of metal-poor material, perhaps from the Magellanic Stream.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | L59-L61 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 437 |
Issue number | 1 PART 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 10 1994 |
Keywords
- ISM: abundances
- ISM: atoms
- Ultraviolet: ISM
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science