Submillimeter wave astronomy satellite science highlights Original Research Article

Since its launch on 5 December 1998, the Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) has surveyed more than 5000 lines-of-sight toward more than 200 Galactic objects in transitions of five astrophysically important atomic and molecular species: H216O, H218O, O2, CI, and 13CO. SWAS sources include giant molecular clouds, dark molecular clouds and starless cores, diffuse and translucent interstellar clouds, planetary nebulae, supernova remnants, oxygen-rich evolved stars, extreme carbon stars, and solar system objects such as Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and comets. A review of SWAS results relating to each of these sources is beyond the scope of this paper. However, a sampling of discoveries is offered through a summary of three diverse areas of SWAS studies – new insights into interstellar chemistry, cometary studies, and extra-solar comets.