A Nest of Diffuse Interstellar Bands—Likely of Common Origin

Abstract Diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) have been proposed to cluster into distinct “families” each potentially linked to a single carrier molecule. In our study, we focus on identifying such a family within the spectral range of approximately 4945–4990 Å, which encompasses a closely spaced group of diffuse bands, most of which are extremely weak. Notably, the relative intensities of these bands remain consistent across various interstellar sightlines, strongly indicating a common origin. The potential members of this “nest” of diffuse bands, include numerous weak features within the specified wavelength range, as well as moderately strong diffuse bands at 4964, 4969, 4980, and 4985 Å, and possibly some other DIBs located slightly apart, such as those at 5062 and 5418 Å.