Large bea observations of the galatic center at 150, 200, and 300 μm

We present 10′ resolution observations of a 2 square degree portion of the galactic plane around the galactic center at 150, 200, and 300 μm, obtained as part of a galactic plane survey. In the galactic center region the mean dust temperature is ∠30 K. Both the temperature and the dust‐to‐gas mass ratio in the galactic center region are typical of a large portion of the galactic plane. Three main emission peaks, Sgr A, B, and C, are detected; these peaks appear as dust column density enhancements rather than temperature enhancements. The dust responsible for the far‐infrared emission may only be a fraction of the dust responsible for the visual extinction toward the galactic center.