A UKST H alpha survey of the Galactic plane

Abstract

We describe a major Anglo-Australian project to undertake a UKST H alpha survey of the Southern Galactic plane, Magellanic clouds and selected regions. The survey will use a new inch 12x12 inch monolithic H alpha interference filter of high specification and Tech Pan film which offers significant advantages over other emulsions due to its peak sensitivity at H alpha and its extremely fine grain, high resolution, exceptional DQE, excellent imaging and low noise. A survey of unprecendented area coverage, depth and resolution should result, superior to any previous optical survey of ionized gas in the galaxy. It is certain to lead to exciting new discoveries and new avenues of research.