Proposal Identification No.: A2903 Date Received: 2014-Mar-03 15:38:12 Arecibo Observatory William E. Gordon Telescope Observing Time Request COVER SHEET Section I - General Information Submitted for Mar 1 2014. This proposal has not been submitted before. Proposal Type: General Category: Sub-Category: Observation Category: Time Requested this semester: Hours already used for this project: Additional Hours required to complete project: Minimum Useful Time: Expected Data Storage: Proposal Title: ABSTRACT: Regular Astronomy Spectroscopy Galactic 200 0 less than 100 GB The Magnetic Morphology of High-Latitude Molecular Cloud MBM 40 Little is known about the formation mechanism of high-latitude molecular clouds (HLMCs), some of the nearest molecular clouds to the Sun. One possibility is that they form in regions where the galactic magnetic field forms magnetic valleys, allowing sufficient column density of neutral gas to accumulate until the gas can begin to self-shield and form molecules. Verschuur (1989) used the 140-foot at Green Bank to detect a +5.5 uG magnetic field in high latitude molecular cloud MBM 40. Existing low resolution observations indicate the gas forms a helical structure in this cloud, which may be a result of the influence of the magnetic field. In that case, we may observe changes in the B-field direction as different sightlines are observed. We propose to map the magnetic field in MBM 40 with the intent of confirming Verschuur’s detection as well as gaining some insight as to the morphology of the magnetic field within this cloud. Outreach Abstract: When a radio wave is emitted in the space between stars, a special fingerprint can be left on the radio wave if there was a strong magnetic field in the vicinity of the location where the radio wave comes from. We are looking for this special fingerprint in radio waves that come from a very cold cloud of molecules high above the disk of the Milky Way. We want to learn how magnetic fields affect the formation of both these clouds and stars and we will use Arecibo to investigate this cosmic mystery. Name Allison J Smith Tim Robishaw Institution University of Georgia Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory E-mail [email protected] [email protected] 1 Phone 706 280-8084 250 497-2350 Student G no Additional Authors Carl Heiles [email protected] Loris Magnani [email protected] This work is part of a PhD thesis. Remote Observing Request X Observer will travel to AO Remote Observing In Absentia (instructions to operator) Section II - Time Request The following times are in LST. For these observations night-time is preferred. Begin – End Days Needed at Interval–Interval This Interval 14:42 – 17:28 114 – – – Time Constraints (Must Be Justified in the Proposal Text) none Section III - Instruments Needed L-wide Atmospheric Observation Instruments: Special Equipment or setup: none Section IV - RFI Considerations 2 Frequency Ranges Planned 1420-1720 Section V - Observing List Target List MBM40 ra, dec: 16 05 04.0, +20 41 48, rise,set (LST): 14:42:39, 17:28:44 3