High-mass Star-forming Regions Research Articles

Emergence of high-mass stars in complex fiber networks (EMERGE). I. Early ALMA Survey: observations and massive data reduction

Recent molecular surveys have revealed the rich gas organization of sonic-like filaments at small scales (so-called fibers) in all types of environments prior to the formation of low- and high-mass stars. These fibers form at the end of the turbulent cascade and are identified as the fine substructure within the hierarchical nature of the gas in the interstellar medium (ISM). Isolated fibers provide the subsonic conditions for the formation of low-mass stars. This paper introduces the Emergence of high-mass stars in complex fiber networks (EMERGE) project, which investigates whether complex fiber arrangements (networks) can also explain the origin of high-mass stars and clusters. We analyzed the EMERGE Early ALMA Survey including seven star-forming regions in Orion (OMC-1,2,3, and 4 South, LDN 1641N, NGC 2023, and the Flame Nebula) that were homogeneously surveyed in three molecular lines (N$_2$H$^+$ J=1-0, HNC J=1-0, and HC$_3$N J=10-9) and in the 3mm continuum using a combination of interferometric ALMA mosaics and IRAM-30m single-dish (SD) maps, together with a series of Herschel Spitzer and WISE archival data. We also developed a systematic data reduction framework allowing the massive data processing of ALMA observations. We obtained independent continuum maps and spectral cubes for all our targets and molecular lines at different (SD and interferometric) resolutions, and we explored multiple data combination techniques. Based on our low-resolution (SD) observations (30 or sim 12\ 000 au), we describe the global properties of our sample, which covers a wide range of physical conditions, including low- (OMC-4 South and NGC 2023), intermediate (OMC-2, OMC-3, and LDN 1641N), and high-mass (OMC-1 and Flame Nebula) star-forming regions in different evolutionary stages. The comparison between our single-dish maps and ancillary YSO catalogs denotes N$_2$H$^+$ (1-0) as the best proxy for the dense, star-forming gas in our targets, which show a constant star formation efficiency and a fast time evolution of lesssim 1 Myr. While apparently clumpy and filamentary in our SD data, all targets show a much more complex fibrous substructure at the enhanced resolution of our combined ALMA+IRAM-30m maps (4 or sim 2\ 000 au). A large number of filamentary features at subparsec scales are clearly recognized in the high-density gas ($ $) that is traced by N$_2$H$^+$ (1-0) directly connected to the formation of individual protostars. Surprisingly, this complex gas organization appears to extend farther into the more diffuse gas ($ $) traced by HNC (1-0). This paper presents the EMERGE Early ALMA Survey, which includes a first data release of continuum maps and spectral products for this project that are to be analysed in future papers of this series. A first look at these results illustrates the need of advanced data combination techniques between high-resolution interferometric (ALMA) and high-sensitivity, low-resolution single-dish (IRAM-30m) datasets to investigate the intrinsic multiscale, gas structure of the ISM.

Disk Evolution Study Through Imaging of Nearby Young Stars (DESTINYS): The SPHERE view of the Orion star-forming region

Context. Resolved observations at near-infrared (near-IR) and millimeter wavelengths have revealed a diverse population of planet-forming disks. In particular, near-IR scattered light observations usually target close-by, low-mass star-forming regions. However, disk evolution in high-mass star-forming regions is likely affected by the different environment. Orion is the closest high-mass star-forming region, enabling resolved observations to be undertaken in the near-IR. Aims. We seek to examine planet-forming disks, in scattered light, within the high-mass star-forming region of Orion in order to study the impact of the environment in a higher-mass star-forming region on disk evolution. Methods. We present SPHERE/IRDIS H-band data for a sample of 23 stars in the Orion star-forming region observed within the DESTINYS (Disk Evolution Study Through Imaging of Nearby Young Stars) program. We used polarization differential imaging in order to detect scattered light from circumstellar dust. From the scattered light observations we characterized the disk orientation, radius, and contrast. We analysed the disks in the context of the stellar parameters and the environment of the Orion star-forming region. We used ancillary X-shooter spectroscopic observations to characterize the central stars in the systems. We furthermore used a combination of new and archival ALMA mm-continuum photometry to characterize the dust masses present in the circumstellar disks. Results. Within our sample, we detect extended circumstellar disks in ten of 23 systems. Of these, three are exceptionally extended (V351 Ori, V599 Ori, and V1012 Ori) and show scattered light asymmetries that may indicate perturbations by embedded planets or (in the case of V599 Ori) by an outer stellar companion. Our high-resolution imaging observations are also sensitive to close (sub)stellar companions and we detect nine such objects in our sample, of which six were previously unknown. We find in particular a possible substellar companion (either a very low-mass star or a high-mass brown dwarf) 137 au from the star RY Ori. We find a strong anticorrelation between disk detection and multiplicity, with only two of our ten disk detections located in stellar multiple systems. We also find a correlation between scattered light contrast and the millimeter flux. This trend is not captured by previous studies of a more diversified sample and is due to the absence of extended, self-shadowed disks in our Orion sample. Conversely, we do not find significant correlations between the scattered light contrast of the disks and the stellar mass or age. We investigate the radial extent of the disks and compare this to the estimated far-ultraviolet (FUV) field strength at the system location. While we do not find a direct correlation, we notice that no extended disks are detected above an FUV field strength of ~300 G0.

Parsec-scale cosmic-ray ionisation rate in Orion

Cosmic rays are a key component of the interstellar medium because they regulate the dynamics and chemical processes in the densest and coldest regions of molecular clouds. Still, the cosmic-ray ionisation rate of H$_2$ (crir ) is one of the most debated parameters characterising molecular clouds because of the uncertainties in the adopted chemical networks and analysis techniques. This work aims to homogeneously estimate the crir at parsec scales towards the Orion Molecular Clouds OMC-2 and OMC-3. We explore the change in crir across a whole star-forming region by probing a range of column densities taht has never been explored before. The significant increase in statistics obtained by studying an entire region allows us to place stronger constraints on the range of crir values and exploit its connection with the physical properties of the interstellar medium. The most recent crir estimates are based on o$-$H$_2$D$^+$, which is a direct product of the interaction between cosmic rays and H$_2$ in cold clouds. Since observations of o$-$H$_2$D$^+$ are challenging, we proxy its abundance through CO depletion by employing C18O (2$-$1) observations towards OMC-2 and OMC-3, taking advantage of the existing correlation between the two parameters. Using additional observations of HCO$^+$ (1$-$0) and DCO$^+$ (3$-$2), we determine the deuteration fraction, and we finally derive the map of crir in these two regions. The C18O depletion correlates with both the total column density of H$_2$ and the N$_2$H$^+$ emission across OMC-2 and OMC-3. The obtained depletion factors and deuteration fractions are consistent with previous values obtained in low- and high-mass star-forming regions. These two parameters additionally show a positive correlation in the coldest fields of our maps. We derive cosmic-ray ionisation rates of $ $ s$^ $. These values agree well with previous estimates based on o$-$H$_2$D$^+$ observations. The crir also shows a functional dependence on the column density of H$_2$ across a full order of magnitude ($ $ cm$^ $). The estimated values of crir decrease overall for increasing $N( H_2 $), as predicted by theoretical models. The results delivered by our approach are comparable with theoretical predictions and previous independent studies. This confirms the robustness of the analytical framework and promotes CO depletion as a viable proxy of o$-$H$_2$D$^+$. We also explore the main limitations of the method by varying the physical size of the gas crossed by the cosmic rays (i.e. the path length). By employing a path length obtained from low-resolution observations, we recover values of the crir that are well below any existing theoretical and observational prediction. This discrepancy highlights the need for interferometric observations in order to reliably constrain the crir at parsec scales as well.

Proper motion study of the 6.7 GHz methanol maser rings.

Methanol masers at 6.7 GHz are well-known signposts of high-mass star-forming regions. Due to their high brightness, they enable us to derive the three-dimensional gas kinematics near protostars and young stars. We aim to understand the origin of the ring-like structures outlined by methanol maser emission in a number of sources. This emission could be, a priori, spatially associated with an outflow and/or disc around a high-mass protostar. In cases of expansion or rotation, maser proper motions should be, for instance, diverging from the ring centre or perpendicular to the ring radius. Using sensitive, three-epoch observations spanning over eight years with the European VLBI Network, we have started the most direct investigations of maser rings using very accurate proper motion measurements with uncertainties below sim 1\,km We present full results for the five targets of our sample, G23.207$-$00.377, G23.389$+$00.185, G28.817$+$00.365, G31.047$+$00.356, and G31.581$+$00.077, where proper motions show similar characteristics; maser cloudlets do not move inwards towards the centre of the rings but rather outwards. We also include the most circular source, G23.657$-$00.127, in the discussion as a reference. The magnitude of maser proper motions ranges from a maximum of about 13\,km $ to 0.5 km s$^ $. In two of the five sources with a high number of maser spots ($>$\,100), namely G23.207$-$00.377 and G23.389$+$00.185, we show that the size of the best elliptical model, fitted to the distribution of persistent masers, increases in time in a manner similar to the case of G23.657$-$00.127. Moreover, we checked the separations between the pairs of spots from distinct regions, and we were able to assess that G28.817$+$00.365 and G31.047$+$00.356 can be interpreted as showing expanding motions. We analysed the profiles of single maser cloudlets and studied their variability. Contrary to single-dish studies, the interferometric data indicate variability of the emission of single-masing cloudlets. In five of the six targets, namely, G23.207$-$00.377, G23.389$+$00.185, G23.657$-$00.127, G28.817$+$00.365, and G31.047$+$00.356, expansion motions prevail. Only in the case of G31.581$+$00.077 can a scenario of disc-like rotation not be excluded. Complementary observations of thermal tracers as well as searching for ultra-compact H II regions in the same sources are needed. Although the overall morphology of the maser emission has remained stable, the intensities of individual maser cloudlets varied from epoch to epoch, suggesting internal instabilities.

Correction to: Variations of the HCO+, HCN, HNC, N2H+ and NH3 deuterium fractionation in high-mass star-forming regions

Correction to: Variations of the HCO+, HCN, HNC, N2H+ and NH3 deuterium fractionation in high-mass star-forming regions

The candidates of long-periodic variable sources in 6.7 GHz methanol masers associated with four high-mass star-forming regions

Abstract Results of the long-term monitoring observations by the Hitachi 32 m radio telescope of the 6.7 GHz Class II methanol masers associated with four high-mass star-forming regions are presented. We detected periodic flux variability in G06.795−0.257, G10.472+0.027, G12.209−0.102, and G13.657−0.599 with the periods of 968, 1624, 1272, and 1266 d, respectively, although the detected period is tentative due to the short monitoring term relative to the estimated period. The facts that the flux variation patterns show the symmetric sine curves and that the luminosities of the central protostar and periods of maser flux variation are consistent with the expected period–luminosity (PL) relation suggest that the mechanisms of maser flux variability of G10.472+0.027 and G12.209−0.102 can be explained by protostellar pulsation instability. From the PL relation, the central stars of these two sources are expected to be very high-mass protostars with a mass of $\sim 40\, M_{\odot }$ and to have a mass accretion rate of $\sim 2 \times 10^{-2}\, M_{\odot }\:$yr−1. On the other hand, G06.795−0.257 and G13.657−0.599 have intermittent variation patterns and have luminosities that are an order of magnitude smaller than those expected from the PL relation, suggesting that the variation mechanisms of these sources originated from a binary system. Since almost all the maser features vary with the same period regardless of the geometry, periodic accretion models may be appropriate mechanisms for flux variability in G06.795−0.257 and G13.657−0.599.

Discovery of widespread non-metastable ammonia masers in the Milky Way

We present the results of a search for ammonia maser emission in 119 Galactic high-mass star-forming regions (HMSFRs) known to host 22\,GHz H$_2$O maser emission. Our survey has led to the discovery of non-metastable NH$_3$ inversion line masers toward 14 of these sources. This doubles the number of known non-metastable ammonia masers in our Galaxy, including nine new very high-excitation ($J,K$) = (9,6) maser sources. These maser lines, including NH$_3$ (5,4), (6,4), (6,5), (7,6), (8,6), (9,6), (9,8), (10,8), and (11,9), arise from energy levels of 342 K, 513 K, 465 K, 606 K, 834 K, 1090 K, 942 K, 1226 K, and 1449 K above the ground state. Additionally, we tentatively report a new metastable NH$_3$ (3,3) maser in G048.49 and an NH$_3$ (7,7) maser in G029.95. Our observations reveal that all of the newly detected NH$_3$ maser lines exhibit either blueshifted or redshifted velocities with respect to the source systemic velocities. Among the non-metastable ammonia maser lines, larger velocity distributions, offset from the source systemic velocities, are found in the ortho-NH$_3$ ($K=3n$) transitions than in the para-NH$_3$ ($K ones.

JOYS: MIRI/MRS spectroscopy of gas-phase molecules from the high-mass star-forming region IRAS 23385+6053

Context. Space-based mid-infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the characterization of important star formation tracers of warm gas which are unobservable from the ground. The previous mid-IR spectra of bright high-mass protostars with the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) in the hot-core phase typically show strong absorption features from molecules such as CO2, C2H2, and HCN. However, little is known about their fainter counterparts at earlier stages. Aims. We aim to characterize the gas-phase molecular features in James Webb Space Telescope Mid-Infrared Instrument Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MIRI/MRS) spectra of the young and clustered high-mass star-forming region IRAS 23385+6053. Methods. Spectra were extracted from several locations in the MIRI/MRS field of view, targeting two mid-IR sources tracing embedded massive protostars as well as three H2 bright outflow knots at distances of >8000 au from the multiple. Molecular features in the spectra were fit with local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) slab models, with their caveats discussed in detail. Results. Rich molecular spectra with emission from CO, H2, HD, H2O, C2H2, HCN, CO2, and OH are detected towards the two mid-IR sources. However, only CO and OH are seen towards the brightest H2 knot positions, suggesting that the majority of the observed species are associated with disks or hot core regions rather than outflows or shocks. The LTE model fits to 12CO2, C2H2, HCN emission suggest warm 120–200 K emission arising from a disk surface around one or both protostars. The abundances of CO2 and C2H2 of ~10−7 are consistent with previous observations of high-mass protostars. Weak ~500 K H2O emission at ~6–7 µm is detected towards one mid-IR source, whereas 250–1050 K H2O absorption is found in the other. The H2O absorption may occur in the disk atmosphere due to strong accretion-heating of the midplane, or in a disk wind viewed at an ideal angle for absorption. CO emission may originate in the hot inner disk or outflow shocks, but NIRSpec data covering the 4.6 µm band head are required to determine the physical conditions of the CO gas, as the high temperatures seen in the MIRI data may be due to optical depth. OH emission is detected towards both mid-IR source positions and one of the shocks, and is likely excited by water photodissociation or chemical formation pumping in a highly non-LTE manner. Conclusions. The observed molecular spectra are consistent with disks having already formed around two protostars in the young IRAS 23385+6054 system. Molecular features mostly appear in emission from a variety of species, in contrast to the more evolved hot core phase protostars which typically show only absorption; however, further observations of young high-mass protostars are needed to disentangle geometry and viewing angle effects from evolution.

Density distributions, magnetic field structures, and fragmentation in high-mass star formation

Context. The fragmentation of high-mass star-forming regions depends on a variety of physical parameters, including density, the magnetic field, and turbulent gas properties. Aims. We evaluate the importance of the density and magnetic field structures in relation to the fragmentation properties during high-mass star formation. Methods. Observing the large parsec-scale Stokes I millimeter dust continuum emission with the IRAM 30 m telescope and the intermediate-scale (<0.1 pc) polarized submillimeter dust emission with the Submillimeter Array toward a sample of 20 high-mass star-forming regions allows us to quantify the dependence of the fragmentation behavior of these regions on the density and magnetic field structures. Results. Based on the IRAM 30 m data, we infer density distributions n ∝ r−p of the regions with typical power-law slopes p around ~1.5. There is no obvious correlation between the power-law slopes of the density structures on larger clump scales (~1 pc) and the number of fragments on smaller core scales (<0.1 pc). Comparing the large-scale single-dish density profiles to those derived earlier from interferometric observations at smaller spatial scales, we find that the smaller-scale power-law slopes are steeper, typically around ~2.0. The flattening toward larger scales is consistent with the star-forming regions being embedded in larger cloud structures that do not decrease in density away from a particular core. The magnetic fields of several regions appear to be aligned with filamentary structures that lead toward the densest central cores. Furthermore, we find different polarization structures; some regions exhibit central polarization holes, whereas other regions show polarized emission also toward the central peak positions. Nevertheless, the polarized intensities are inversely related to the Stokes I intensities, following roughly a power-law slope of ∝ SI−0.62. We estimate magnetic field strengths between ~0.2 and ~4.5 mG, and we find no clear correlation between magnetic field strength and the fragmentation level of the regions. A comparison of the turbulent to magnetic energies shows that they are of roughly equal importance in this sample. The mass-to-flux ratios range between ~2 and ~7, consistent with collapsing star-forming regions. Conclusions. Finding no clear correlations between the present-day large-scale density structure, the magnetic field strength, and the smaller-scale fragmentation properties of the regions, indicates that the fragmentation of high-mass star-forming regions may not be affected strongly by the initial density profiles and magnetic field properties. However, considering the limited evolutionary range and spatial scales of the presented CORE analysis, future research directions should include density structure analysis of younger regions that better resemble the initial conditions, as well as connecting the observed intermediate-scale magnetic field structure with the larger-scale magnetic fields of the parental molecular clouds.

Filamentary Network and Magnetic Field Structures Revealed with BISTRO in the High-mass Star-forming Region NGC 2264: Global Properties and Local Magnetogravitational Configurations

We report 850 μm continuum polarization observations toward the filamentary high-mass star-forming region NGC 2264, taken as part of the B-fields In STar forming Regions Observations large program on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope. These data reveal a well-structured nonuniform magnetic field in the NGC 2264C and 2264D regions with a prevailing orientation around 30° from north to east. Field strength estimates and a virial analysis of the major clumps indicate that NGC 2264C is globally dominated by gravity, while in 2264D, magnetic, gravitational, and kinetic energies are roughly balanced. We present an analysis scheme that utilizes the locally resolved magnetic field structures, together with the locally measured gravitational vector field and the extracted filamentary network. From this, we infer statistical trends showing that this network consists of two main groups of filaments oriented approximately perpendicular to one another. Additionally, gravity shows one dominating converging direction that is roughly perpendicular to one of the filament orientations, which is suggestive of mass accretion along this direction. Beyond these statistical trends, we identify two types of filaments. The type I filament is perpendicular to the magnetic field with local gravity transitioning from parallel to perpendicular to the magnetic field from the outside to the filament ridge. The type II filament is parallel to the magnetic field and local gravity. We interpret these two types of filaments as originating from the competition between radial collapsing, driven by filament self-gravity, and longitudinal collapsing, driven by the region's global gravity.

Explaining the Chemical Inventory of Orion KL through Machine Learning

The interplay of the chemistry and physics that exists within astrochemically relevant sources can only be fully appreciated if we can gain a holistic understanding of their chemical inventories. Previous work by Lee et al. demonstrated the capabilities of simple regression models to reproduce the abundances of the chemical inventory of the Taurus Molecular Cloud 1 (TMC-1), as well as to provide abundance predictions for new candidate molecules. It remains to be seen, however, to what degree TMC-1 is a “unicorn” in astrochemistry, where the simplicity of its chemistry and physics readily facilitates characterization with simple machine learning models. Here we present an extension in chemical complexity to a heavily studied high-mass star-forming region: the Orion Kleinmann–Low (Orion KL) nebula. Unlike TMC-1, Orion KL is composed of several structurally distinct environments that differ chemically and kinematically, wherein the column densities of molecules between these components can have nonlinear correlations that cause the unexpected appearance or even lack of likely species in various environments. This proof-of-concept study used similar regression models sampled by Lee et al. to accurately reproduce the column densities from the XCLASS fitting program presented by Crockett et al.

The Discovery of the Zeeman Effect in 38 GHz Class II Methanol Masers

Magnetic fields likely play an important role in star formation, but the number of directly measured magnetic field strengths remains scarce. We observed the 38.3 and 38.5 GHz Class II methanol (CH3OH) maser lines toward the high-mass star-forming region NGC 6334 F for the Zeeman effect. The observed spectral profiles have two prominent velocity features that can be further decomposed through Gaussian component fitting. In several of these fitted Gaussian components we find significant Zeeman detections, with zB los in the range from 8 to 46 Hz. If the Zeeman splitting factor z for the 38 GHz transitions is of the order of ∼1 Hz mG−1, similar to that for several other CH3OH maser lines, then magnetic fields in the regions traced by these masers would be in the range of 8–46 mG. Such magnetic field values in high-mass star-forming regions agree with those detected in the better-known 6.7 GHz Class II CH3OH maser line. Since Class II CH3OH masers are radiatively pumped close to the protostar and likely occur in the accretion disk or the interface between the disk and outflow regions, such fields likely have significant impact on the dynamics of these disks.

Illuminating evaporating protostellar outflows: ERIS/SPIFFIER reveals the dissociation and ionization of HH 900

ABSTRACT Protostellar jets and outflows are signposts of active star formation. In H ii regions, molecular tracers like CO only reveal embedded portions of the outflow. Outside the natal cloud, outflows are dissociated, ionized, and eventually completely ablated, leaving behind only the high-density jet core. Before this process is complete, there should be a phase where the outflow is partially molecular and partially ionized. In this paper, we capture the HH 900 outflow while this process is in action. New observations from the Enhanced Resolution Imager and Spectrograph/SPIFFIER near-infrared (IR) integral field unit spectrograph using the K-middle filter (λ = 2.06–2.34 μm) reveal H2 emission from the dissociating outflow and Br-γ tracing its ionized skin. Both lines trace the wide-angle outflow morphology but H2 only extends ∼5000 au into the H ii region while Br-γ extends the full length of the outflow (∼12 650 au), indicating rapid dissociation of the molecules. H2 has higher velocities further from the driving source, consistent with a jet-driven outflow. Diagnostic line ratios indicate that photoexcitation, not just shocks, contributes to the excitation in the outflow. We argue that HH 900 is the first clear example of an evaporating molecular outflow and predict that a large column of neutral material that may be detectable with Atacama Large Millimeter Array accompanies the dissociating molecules. Results from this study will help guide the interpretation of near-IR images of externally irradiated jets and outflows such as those obtained with the JWST in high-mass star-forming regions where these conditions may be common.

The Distribution of High-excitation OCS Emission Around the Cep A-East Protostellar Cluster

The Cepheus A East high-mass star-forming region has been mapped at 1.4 mm using the OCS(17–16) and (18–17) lines observed with the IRAM 30 m antenna. Contour maps and high-resolution line profiles reveal the association of OCS with both (i) the hot-core region, and (ii) with the NE, SE, and S outflows driven by the young stellar objects. This confirms that OCS is among the main S-molecules observed in the gas-phase after thermal evaporation due to protostellar heating or shocks due to propagation of protostellar jets. Adopting Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium conditions, optically thin emission, and a temperature of 100 K, the total OCS column density (after correction for beam dilution) of the hot-core component is ∼1016 cm−2. For the outflow component, assuming a temperature range of 20–100 K, and extended emission, the OCS column density is ≤ 5 ×1014 cm−2 for a temperature ≥ 20 K.

Variations of the HCO+, HCN, HNC, N2H+, and NH3 deuterium fractionation in high-mass star-forming regions

ABSTRACT We use spectra and maps of the J = 1 − 0 and J = 2 − 1 DCO+, DCN, DNC, $\rm N_2D^+$ lines, and 111−101 ortho- and para-NH2D lines, obtained with the Institut de Radioastronomie Millimétrique (IRAM)-30 m telescope, as well as observations of their hydrogenated isotopologues to study deuteration processes in five high-mass star-forming regions. The temperature was estimated from CH 3CCH lines, also observed with the IRAM-30 m telescope, and from NH 3 lines, observed with the 100 m radio telescope in Effelsberg, as well as using the integrated intensity ratios of the J = 1 − 0 H13CN and HN13C lines and their main isotopologues. Applying a non-local thermodynamic equilibrium radiative transfer model with radex, the gas density and the molecular column densities were estimated. D/H ratios are 0.001–0.05 for DCO+, 0.001–0.02 for DCN, 0.001–0.05 for DNC, and 0.02–0.4 for NH2D. The D/H ratios decrease with increasing temperature in the range of 20–40 K and slightly vary at densities $n(\rm H_2) \sim 10^4\!-\!10^6$ cm−3. The deuterium fraction of $\rm N_2H^{+}$ is 0.008–0.1 at temperatures in the range of 20–25 K and at a density of ∼105 cm−3. We also estimate relative abundances and find ∼10−11–10−9 for DCO+ and DNC, ∼10−11–10−10 for $\rm N_2D^+$, and ∼10−10–10−8 for NH2D. The relative abundances of these species decrease with increasing temperature. However, the DCN/H2 ratio is almost constant (∼10−10). The observational results agree with the predictions of chemical models (although in some cases there are significant differences).

A Systematic Observational Study on Galactic Interstellar Ratio 18O/17O. II. C18O and C17O J = 2–1 Data Analysis

To investigate the relative amount of ejecta from high-mass versus intermediate-mass stars and to trace the chemical evolution of the Galaxy, we have performed a systematic study of Galactic interstellar 18O/17O ratios toward a sample of 421 molecular clouds with IRAM 30 m and the 10 m Submillimeter Telescope, covering a galactocentric distance range of ∼1–22 kpc. The results presented in this paper are based on the J = 2–1 transition and encompass 364 sources showing both C18O and C17O detections. The previously suggested 18O/17O gradient is confirmed. For the 41 sources detected with both facilities, good agreement is obtained. A correlation of the 18O/17O ratios with heliocentric distance is not found, indicating that beam dilution and linear beam sizes are not relevant. For the subsample of IRAM 30 m high-mass star-forming regions with accurate parallax distances, an unweighted fit gives 18O/17O = (0.12 ± 0.02)R GC + (2.38 ± 0.13) with a correlation coefficient of R = 0.67. While the slope is consistent with our J = 1–0 measurement, the ratios are systematically lower. This should be caused by larger optical depths of C18O 2–1 lines with respect to the corresponding 1–0 transitions, which is supported by RADEX calculations and the fact that C18O/C17O is positively correlated with 13CO/C18O. When we consider that optical depth effects with C18O J = 2–1 typically reach an optical depth of ∼0.5, the corrected 18O/17O ratios from the J = 1–0 and J = 2–1 lines are consistent. A good numerical fit to the data is provided by the MWG-12 model, which includes both rotating stars and novae.

A global view on star formation: The GLOSTAR Galactic plane survey

Context. Cygnus X is one of the closest and most active high-mass star-forming regions in our Galaxy, making it one of the best laboratories for studying massive star formation. Aims. We aim to investigate the properties of molecular gas structures on different linear scales with the 4.8 GHz formaldehyde (H2CO) absorption line in Cygnus X. Methods. As part of the GLOSTAR Galactic plane survey, we performed large-scale (7º×3º) simultaneous H2CO (11,0–11,1) spectral line and radio continuum imaging observations toward Cygnus X at λ ~6 cm with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array and the Effelsberg 100 m radio telescope. We used auxiliary HI, 13CO (1–0), dust continuum, and dust polarization data for our analysis. Results. Our Effelsberg observations reveal widespread H2CO (11,0–11,1) absorption with a spatial extent of ≳50 pc in Cygnus X for the first time. On large scales of 4.4 pc, the relative orientation between the local velocity gradient and the magnetic field tends to be more parallel at H2 column densities of ≳1.8×1022 cm−2. On the smaller scale of 0.17 pc, our VLA+Effelsberg combined data reveal H2CO (11,0–11,1) absorption only towards three bright HII regions. Our observations demonstrate that H2CO (11,0–11,1) is optically thin in general. The kinematic analysis supports the assertion that molecular clouds generally exhibit supersonic motions on scales of 0.17−4.4 pc. We show a non-negligible contribution of the cosmic microwave background radiation to the extended absorption features in Cygnus X. Our observations suggest that H2CO (11,0–11,1) can trace molecular gas with H2 column densities of ≳5 × 1021 cm−2 (i.e., AV ≳ 5). The ortho-H2CO fractional abundance with respect to H2 has a mean value of 7.0 × 10−10. A comparison of the velocity dispersions on different linear scales suggests that the velocity dispersions of the dominant −3 km s−1 velocity component in the prominent DR21 region are nearly identical on scales of 0.17−4.4 pc, which deviates from the expected behavior of classic turbulence.

Parsec scales of carbon chain and complex organic molecules in AFGL 2591 and IRAS 20126

Context. There is a diverse chemical inventory in protostellar regions leading to the classification of extreme types of systems. Warm carbon chain chemistry sources, for one, are the warm and dense regions near a protostar containing unsaturated carbon chain molecules. Since the presentation of this definition in 2008, there is a growing field to detect and characterise these sources. The details are lesser known in relation to hot cores and in high-mass star-forming regions - regions of great importance in galactic evolution. Aims. To investigate the prevalence of carbon chain species and their environment in high-mass star-forming regions, we have conducted targeted spectral surveys of two sources in the direction of Cygnus X - AFGL 2591 and IRAS 20126+4104. Methods. We observed these sources in frequency ranges around 85, 96, and 290 GHz with the Green Bank Telescope and the IRAM 30m Telescope. We have constructed a local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) model using the observed molecular spectra to determine the physical environment in which these molecules originate. We map both the observed spatial distribution and the physical parameters found from the LTE model. We also determine the formation routes of these molecules in each source using the three-phase NAUTILUS chemical evolution code. Results. We detect several lines of propyne, CH3CCH, and cyclopropenylidene, c-C3H2 as tracers of carbon chain chemistry, as well as several lines of formaldehyde, H2CO, and methanol, CH3OH, as a precursor and a tracer of complex organic molecule chemistry, respectively. We find excitation temperatures of 20−30 K for the carbon chains and 8−85 K for the complex organics. The observed abundances, used as input for the chemical evolution code, are 10−9 to 10−10 for both CH3CCH and CH3OH. The CH3CCH abundances are reproduced by a warm-up model, consistent with warm carbon chain chemistry, while the observed CH3OH abundances require a shock mechanism sputtering the molecules into the gas phase. Conclusions. Single-dish observations are useful for studying the envelope-scale chemistry of star-forming regions, including mechanisms such as warm carbon chain chemistry. As well, LTE models lend well to the wide-band maps obtained from these telescopes. The physical and chemical environment determined for complex hydrocarbons and complex organics lends understanding to high-mass star formation.

A kinematic study of the disc-outflow system around a high-mass protostar G59.783+0.065 probed by methanol and water masers

ABSTRACT Class II CH3OH masers are used as a convenient tracer of disc-like structures in high-mass star formation. However, more than half of them show a complex distribution in Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) maps. The origin of such a complex distribution is still unknown. We conducted VLBI monitoring observations to unveil the origin of a complex class II CH3OH maser in the high-mass star-forming region G59.783+0.065. We observed the CH3OH maser at 6.7 GHz and the H2O maser at 22 GHz to probe detailed circumstellar kinematics and structures by the Japanese VLBI network and the VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry. We found similar bipolar distributions in both masers, specifically two clusters located 2000 au apart along the east–west direction. We detected a linear distribution of CH3OH masers in the western cluster. A position–velocity diagram shows that the western CH3OH masers trace a rotating disc-wind or infalling component inside an edge-on disc-like structure. In contrast to the simple bipolar expanding motions of the H2O masers, the CH3OH masers exhibited complex motions despite their spatial coincidence. Some of the eastern CH3OH masers showed bipolar expansions similar to the H2O masers, while others displayed random or even inward motions. Such complex kinematics and their close association with the H2O maser could occur at the boundary between outflow and inflow. We suggest that the complex distribution of class II CH3OH masers, like G59.783+0.065 arises from several distinct circumstellar structures that simultaneously achieve maser excitation.

Metallicities of Classical Cepheids in the Inner Galactic Disk

Metallicity gradients refer to the sloped radial profiles of the metallicities of gas and stars and are commonly seen in disk galaxies. A well-defined metallicity gradient of the Galactic disk is observed particularly well with classical Cepheids, which are good stellar tracers thanks to their period–luminosity relation, allowing precise distance estimation and other advantages. However, the measurement of the inner-disk gradient has been impeded by the incompleteness of previous samples of Cepheids and the limitations of optical spectroscopy in observing highly reddened objects. Here we report the metallicities of 16 Cepheids measured with high-resolution spectra in the near-infrared YJ bands. These Cepheids are located at 3–5.6 kpc in Galactocentric distance, R GC, and reveal the metallicity gradient in this range for the first time. Their metallicities are mostly between 0.1 and 0.3 dex in [Fe/H] and more or less follow the extrapolation of the metallicity gradient found in the outer part, R GC > 6.5 kpc. The gradient in the inner disk may be shallower or even flat, but the small sample does not allow the determination of the slope precisely. More extensive spectroscopic observations would also be necessary for studying minor populations, if any, with higher or lower metallicities that were reported in previous literature. In addition, the 3D velocities of our inner-disk Cepheids show a kinematic pattern that indicates noncircular orbits caused by the Galactic bar, which is consistent with the patterns reported in recent studies on high-mass star-forming regions and red giant branch stars.