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P. Richter, B. P. Wakker (University of Wisconsin, Madison), K. R. Sembach (Space Telescope Science Institute), B. D. Savage (University of Wisconsin, Madison)
Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer data is used to investigate the molecular hydrogen (H2) content of Intermediate- and High-Velocity Clouds (IVCs and HVCs, respectively) in the Milky Way halo. H2 in IVC gas is detected in more than 25 cases (including the IV Arch, the LLIV Arch, and Complex gp), suggesting the presence of a widespread, diffuse molecular gas phase in the lower Galactic halo. H2 is also detected along two sight lines in the Magellanic Stream, but not in HVC Complex C. We discuss our findings in regard to metal and dust abundances in Galactic halo clouds, and the UV radiation field above the Galactic plane.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: richter@astro.wisc.edu