Here you can download FITS files that give the reconstructed
distribution of molecular gas in the Galaxy. The
deconvolution is based on a gas-flow model for the inner
Galaxy, that was derived using SPH simulations with a
gravitational potential that accounts for the galactic
bar. The bar induces non-circular motions that provide
kinematic resolution toward the Galactic Center, which can be
used to deconvolve the CO line spectra (left panel) and thus
to reconstruct within certain systematic limitations the gas
distribution. The right panel shows the surface mass density
around the Galactic Center in solar masses per
square-parsec. The sun would be at (x,y)=(8,0) kpc.
It is strongly recommended you read our paper prior to using
the matrices.
Note: We also request that you cite our paper, if you use
the data/documents from this website.
3D Distribution of Molecular Gas in the Barred Milky Way
Pohl, M., Englmaier, P., Bissantz, N. (2008), ApJ 677, 283
FITS files (revised 03/22/09)
Lines-of-sight in the Galactic Plane (125 MB)
Lines-of-sight at latitudes b > 5 deg (51 MB)
Lines-of-sight at latitudes b < -5 deg (51 MB)
3D density distribution (7 MB)