Maser science with the next generation Very Large Array (ngVLA)

Abstract

AbstractImaging the bright maser emission produced by the various molecular species from 1.6 to 116 GHz provides a way to probe the kinematics of dense molecular gas at high angular resolution. Unimpeded by the high dust optical depths that affect shorter wavelength (sub)mm observations, the high brightness temperature of these emission lines have become an essential tool for understanding the process of massive star formation. Operating from 1.2–116 GHz, the next generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) of 263 antennas will provide the capabilities needed to fully exploit these powerful tracers, including the ability to resolve accretion and outflow motions down to scales as fine as ∼1-10 au in deeply embedded Galactic star-forming regions, and at sub-pc scales in nearby galaxies. I will summarize the proposed specifications of the ngVLA, describe the current status of the project, and offer examples of future experiments designed to image the vicinity of massive protostars in continuum, thermal lines, and maser lines simultaneously.