Large-scale Molecular Outflow Research Articles

The XMM-Newton and NuSTAR view of IRASF11119+3257

Context. IRASF11119+3257 is an ultra-luminous infrared galaxy with a post-merger morphology, hosting a type-1 quasar at z = 0.189. It shows a prominent ultra-fast outflow (UFO) absorption feature (vout ∼ 0.25c) in its 2013 Suzaku spectrum. This is the first system in which the energy released by the UFO was compared to that of the known galaxy-scale molecular outflow to investigate the mechanism driving active galactic nuclei (AGN) feedback. Aims. In 2021, we obtained the first XMM-Newton long look of the target, coordinated with a simultaneous NuSTAR observation, with the goal of constraining the broad band continuum and the nuclear wind physical properties and energetics with an unprecedented accuracy. Methods. The new high-quality data allowed us to clearly detect at a confidence level P > 99.8% multiple absorption features associated with the known UFO at the 9.1 and 11.0 keV rest frames. Furthermore, an emission plus absorption feature at 1.1 − 1.3 keV reveals the presence of a blueshifted P-Cygni profile in the soft band. Results. We associate the two hard band features with blends of FeXXV and FeXXVI Heα-Lyα and Heβ-Lyβ line pairs and infer a large column (NH ∼ 1024 cm−2) of highly ionized (log ξ ∼ 5) gas outflowing at vout = 0.27 ± 0.01c. The 1.3 keV absorption line can be associated with a blend of Fe and Ne transitions, produced by a lower column (NH ∼ 3 × 1021 cm−2) and ionization (log ξ ∼ 2.6) gas component outflowing at the same speed. Using a radiative-transfer disk wind model to fit the highly ionized UFO, we derive a mass outflow rate comparable with the mass accretion rate and the Eddington limit (Ṁout = 4.25−0.73+1.11 M⊙/yr, ∼1.6 Ṁacc and ∼1.0 ṀEdd), and kinetic energy (Ėkin = 1.21−0.20+0.32 Lbol and ∼0.7LEdd) and momentum flux (Ṗout = 6.37−1.09+1.67 Lbol/c) among the highest reported in the literature. We measured an extremely low high-energy cutoff (Ecut ∼ 25 − 30 keV). This and several other cases in the literature suggest that a steep X-ray continuum may be related to the formation of powerful winds. We also analyzed the ionized [OIII] component of the large-scale outflow through optical spectroscopy and derived a large outflow velocity (vout ∼ 3000 km/s) and energetics comparable with the large-scale molecular outflows. Finally, we observe a trend of decreasing outflow velocity from forbidden optical emission lines of decreasing ionization levels, interpreted as the outflow decelerating at large distances from the ionizing source. Conclusions. The lack of a significant momentum boost between the nuclear UFO and the different phases of the large-scale outflow, observed in IRASF11119 and in a growing number of similar sources, can be explained by (i) a momentum-driven expansion, (ii) an inefficient coupling of the UFO with the host interstellar medium, or (iii) by repeated energy-driven expansion episodes with a low duty cycle, that average out on long timescales to produce the observed large-scale outflow.

HH 80/81: Structure and Kinematics of the Fastest Protostellar Outflow

Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images obtained in 2018 are combined with archival HST data taken in 1995 to detect changes and measure proper motions in the HH 80/81 shock complex, which is powered by the fastest known jet driven by a forming star, the massive object IRAS 18162-2048. Some persistent features close to the radio jet axis have proper motions of >1000 km s−1 away from IRAS 18162-2048. About 3–5 pc downstream from the IRAS source and beyond HH 80/81, Hα emission traces the rim of a parsec-scale bubble blown by the jet. Lower speed motions are seen in [S ii] away from the jet axis; these features have a large component of motion at right angles to the jet. We identify new HH objects and H2 shocks in the counterflow opposite HH 80/81. The northeastern counterflow to HH 80/81 exhibits an extended but faint complex of 2.12 μm H2 shocks. The inner portion of the outflow is traced by dim 1.64 μm [Fe ii] emission. The full extent of this outflow is at least 1500″ (∼10 pc in projection at a distance of 1.4 kpc). We speculate about the conditions responsible for the production of the ultrafast jet and the absence of prominent large-scale molecular outflow lobes.

Linking the small-scale relativistic winds and the large-scale molecular outflows in the z = 1.51 lensed quasar HS 0810+2554

ABSTRACT We present Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of the quadruply lensed z = 1.51 quasar HS 0810+2554 which provide useful insight on the kinematics and morphology of the CO molecular gas and the ∼ 2 mm-continuum emission in the quasar host galaxy. Lens modelling of the mm-continuum and the spectrally integrated CO(J = 3→2) images indicates that the source of the mm-continuum has an eccentricity of e ∼ 0.9 with a size of ∼1.6 kpc and the source of line emission has an eccentricity of e ∼ 0.7 with a size of ∼1 kpc. The spatially integrated emission of the CO(J = 2→1) and CO(J = 3→2) lines shows a triple peak structure with the outer peaks separated by Δv21 = 220 ± 19 km s−1 and Δv32 = 245 ± 28 km s−1, respectively, suggesting the presence of rotating molecular CO line emitting gas. Lensing inversion of the high spatial resolution images confirms the presence of rotation of the line emitting gas. Assuming a conversion factor of αCO = 0.8 M⊙ (K km s−1 pc2)−1 we find the molecular gas mass of HS 0810+2554 to be MMol = (5.2 ± 1.5)/μ32 × 1010 M⊙, where μ32 is the magnification of the CO(J = 3→2) emission. We report the possible detection, at the 3.0–4.7σ confidence level, of shifted CO(J = 3→2) emission lines of high-velocity clumps of CO emission with velocities up to 1702 km s−1. We find that the momentum boost of the large-scale molecular wind is below the value predicted for an energy-conserving outflow given the momentum flux observed in the small-scale ultrafast outflow.

V346 Nor: The Post-outburst Life of a Peculiar Young Eruptive Star

Abstract FU Orionis-type objects (FUors) are young low-mass stars undergoing powerful accretion outbursts. The increased accretion is often accompanied by collimated jets and energetic, large-scale molecular outflows. The extra heating during the outburst may also induce detectable geometrical, chemical, and mineralogical changes in the circumstellar material, affecting possible planet formation around these objects. V346 Nor is a southern FUor with peculiar spectral characteristics. Decades after the beginning of its outburst, it unexpectedly underwent a fading event around 2010 due to a decrease in the mass accretion rate onto the star by at least two orders of magnitude. Here we present optical and near-infrared photometry and spectroscopy obtained after the minimum. Our light curves show a gradual re-brightening of V346 Nor, with its K s-band brightness only 1.5 mag below the outburst brightness level. Our Very Large Telescope (VLT)/XSHOOTER spectroscopic observations display several strong forbidden emission lines toward the source from various metals and molecular hydrogen, suggesting the launch of a new jet. Our N-band spectrum obtained with VLT/VISIR outlines a deeper silicate absorption feature than before, indicating that the geometry of the circumstellar medium has changed in the post-outburst period compared to peak brightness.

A multi-molecular line study of the star-forming globule CB88-230

Context. This paper relates to low-mass star formation in globules, and the interaction of newly-formed stars with their environment. We follow up on the results of our earlier observations of this globule. Aims. Our aim is to study the gas- and dust environment of the young stellar object (YSO) in globule CB88 230, the large-scale molecular outflow triggered by the jet driven by the YSO, and their interaction. Methods. We carried out submillimetre continuum and multi-line molecular observations with several single-dish facilities, mapping the core of the globule and the large-scale outflow associated with the YSO. Results. Dust continuum and molecular line maps (of 12CO, C18O, CS, CH3OH) show a flattened (axes ratio 1.5−1.7), asymmetric core with a full width at half maximum (FWHM)-diameter of 0.16−0.21 pc. Line profiles of 12CO, 13CO(2–1, 3–2), and CS(2–1) show self-absorption near the YSO; the absorption dip is at a slightly (~0.3 km s−1) redder velocity than that of the quiescent gas, possibly indicating infall of cooler envelope gas. The mass of the core, determined from C18O(1–0) observations, is about 8 M⊙, while the virial mass is in the range 5−8M⊙, depending on the assumed density distribution. We detect a slight velocity gradient (~0.98 km s−1 pc−1), though rotational energy is negligible with respect to gravitational and turbulent energy of the core. A fit to the spectral energy distribution of the core gives a dust temperature Td ≈ 18 K and a gas mass of ca. 2 M⊙ (assuming a gas-to-dust ratio of 100). More careful modelling of the sub-mm emission (not dominated by the relatively hot central regions) yields M ≈ 8M⊙. From the molecular line observations we derive gas temperatures of 10−20 K. A Bayesian analysis of the emission of selected molecules observed towards the YSO, yields Tkin ≈ 21.4 K (68% credibility interval 14.5−35.5 K) and volume density n(H2) ≈ 4.6 × 105 cm−3 (8.3 × 104−9.1 × 105 cm−3). We have mapped the well-collimated large-scale outflow in 12CO(3–2). The outflow has a dynamical age of a few 104 yr, and contains little mass (a few 10−2 M⊙). A misalignment between the axis of this large-scale outflow and that of the hot jet close to the YSO indicates that the outflow direction may be changing with time.

Probing high-mass star formation in the outflow source G12.42+0.50

This talk is based on the paper “Initial phases of high-mass star formation: A multiwavelength study towards the extended green object G12.42+0.50” by Namitha Issac, Anandmayee Tej, Tie Liu, Watson Varricatt, Sarita Vig, Ishwara Chandra CH and Mathias Schultheis and has been accepted for publication in MNRAS. A multiwavelength study of the extended green object G12.42+0.50 is presented. The associated ionized, dust, and molecular components of this source is probed using various observations at near- and far-infrared, submillimeter and radio wavelengths. The radio continuum emission mapped at 1390 and 610 MHz calls for a scenario of co-existence of an ultracompact (UC) H II region with an ionized jet possibly powered by the same young stellar object (YSO). Shock-excited lines of H2 and [Fe II] seen in the NIR spectra provide support to this picture. Study of the gas kinematics of the molecular cloud reveals the presence of both infall activity and large-scale molecular outflow, suggesting an early stage of massive star formation in G12.42+0.50.

The VLA Nascent Disk And Multiplicity Survey of Perseus Protostars (VANDAM). III. Extended Radio Emission from Protostars in Perseus

Abstract Centimeter continuum emission from protostars offers insight into the innermost part of the outflows, as shock-ionized gas produces free–free emission. We observed a complete population of Class 0 and I protostars in the Perseus molecular cloud at 4.1 and 6.4 cm with resolution and sensitivity superior to previous surveys. From a total of 71 detections, eight sources exhibit resolved emission at 4.1 cm and/or 6.4 cm. In this paper, we focus on this subsample, analyzing their spectral indices along the jet and their alignment with respect to the large-scale molecular outflow. Spectral indices for fluxes integrated toward the position of the protostar are consistent with free–free thermal emission. The value of the spectral index along a radio jet decreases with distance from the protostar. For six sources, emission is well aligned with the outflow central axis, showing that we observe the ionized base of the jet. This is not the case for two sources, where we note misalignment of the emission with respect to the large-scale outflow. This might indicate that the emission does not originate in the radio jet, but rather in an ionized outflow cavity wall or disk surface. For five of the sources, the spectral indices along the jet decrease well below the thermal free–free limit of −0.1 with significance. This is indicative of synchrotron emission, meaning that high-energy electrons are being produced in the outflows close to the disk. This result can have far-reaching implications for the chemical composition of the embedded disks.

The L1157-B1 astrochemical laboratory: testing the origin of DCN

L1157-B1 is the brightest shocked region of the large-scale molecular outflow, considered the prototype of chemically rich outflows, being the ideal laboratory to study how shocks affect the molecular gas. Several deuterated molecules have been previously detected with the IRAM 30m, most of them formed on grain mantles and then released into the gas phase due to the shock. We aim to observationally investigate the role of the different chemical processes at work that lead to formation the of DCN and test the predictions of the chemical models for its formation. We performed high-angular resolution observations with NOEMA of the DCN(2-1) and H13CN(2-1) lines to compute the deuterated fraction, Dfrac(HCN). We detected emission of DCN(2-1) and H13CN(2-1) arising from L1157-B1 shock. Dfrac(HCN) is ~4x10$^{-3}$ and given the uncertainties, we did not find significant variations across the bow-shock. Contrary to HDCO, whose emission delineates the region of impact between the jet and the ambient material, DCN is more widespread and not limited to the impact region. This is consistent with the idea that gas-phase chemistry is playing a major role in the deuteration of HCN in the head of the bow-shock, where HDCO is undetected as it is a product of grain-surface chemistry. The spectra of DCN and H13CN match the spectral signature of the outflow cavity walls, suggesting that their emission result from shocked gas. The analysis of the time dependent gas-grain chemical model UCL-CHEM coupled with a C-type shock model shows that the observed Dfrac(HCN) is reached during the post-shock phase, matching the dynamical timescale of the shock. Our results indicate that the presence of DCN in L1157-B1 is a combination of gas-phase chemistry that produces the widespread DCN emission, dominating in the head of the bow-shock, and sputtering from grain mantles toward the jet impact region.

Quasar Feedback in the Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxy F11119+3257: Connecting the Accretion Disk Wind with the Large-scale Molecular Outflow

Abstract In Tombesi et al., we reported the first direct evidence for a quasar accretion disk wind driving a massive (>100 M ⊙ yr−1) molecular outflow. The target was F11119+3257, an ultraluminous infrared galaxy (ULIRG) with unambiguous type 1 quasar optical broad emission lines. The energetics of the accretion disk wind and molecular outflow were found to be consistent with the predictions of quasar feedback models where the molecular outflow is driven by a hot energy-conserving bubble inflated by the inner quasar accretion disk wind. However, this conclusion was uncertain because the mass outflow rate, momentum flux, and mechanical power of the outflowing molecular gas were estimated from the optically thick OH 119 μm transition profile observed with Herschel. Here, we independently confirm the presence of the molecular outflow in F11119+3257, based on the detection of ∼±1000 km s−1 blue- and redshifted wings in the CO(1−0) emission line profile derived from deep ALMA observations obtained in the compact array configuration (∼2.″8 resolution). The broad CO(1−0) line emission appears to be spatially extended on a scale of at least ∼7 kpc from the center. Mass outflow rate, momentum flux, and mechanical power of (80–200) M ⊙ yr−1, (1.5–3.0) L AGN/c, and (0.15–0.40)% , respectively, are inferred from these data, assuming a CO-to-H2 conversion factor appropriate for a ULIRG (R 7 is the radius of the outflow normalized to 7 kpc, and L AGN is the AGN luminosity). These rates are time-averaged over a flow timescale of 7 × 106 yr. They are similar to the OH-based rates time-averaged over a flow timescale of 4 × 105 yr, but about a factor of 4 smaller than the local (“instantaneous”; ≲105 yr) OH-based estimates cited in Tombesi et al. The implications of these new results are discussed in the context of time-variable quasar-mode feedback and galaxy evolution. The need for an energy-conserving bubble to explain the molecular outflow is also reexamined.

Wind from the black-hole accretion disk driving a molecular outflow in an active galaxy.

Powerful winds driven by active galactic nuclei are often thought to affect the evolution of both supermassive black holes and their host galaxies, quenching star formation and explaining the close relationship between black holes and galaxies. Recent observations of large-scale molecular outflows in ultraluminous infrared galaxies support this quasar-feedback idea, because they directly trace the gas from which stars form. Theoretical models suggest that these outflows originate as energy-conserving flows driven by fast accretion-disk winds. Proposed connections between large-scale molecular outflows and accretion-disk activity in ultraluminous galaxies were incomplete because no accretion-disk wind had been detected. Conversely, studies of powerful accretion-disk winds have until now focused only on X-ray observations of local Seyfert galaxies and a few higher-redshift quasars. Here we report observations of a powerful accretion-disk wind with a mildly relativistic velocity (a quarter that of light) in the X-ray spectrum of IRAS F11119+3257, a nearby (redshift 0.189) optically classified type 1 ultraluminous infrared galaxy hosting a powerful molecular outflow. The active galactic nucleus is responsible for about 80 per cent of the emission, with a quasar-like luminosity of 1.5×10(46) ergs per second. The energetics of these two types of wide-angle outflows is consistent with the energy-conserving mechanism that is the basis of the quasar feedback in active galactic nuclei that lack powerful radio jets (such jets are an alternative way to drive molecular outflows).

A necklace of dense cores in the high-mass star forming region G35.20−0.74 N: ALMA observations

The present study aims at characterizing the massive star forming region G35.20N, which is found associated with at least one massive outflow and contains multiple dense cores, one of them recently found associated with a Keplerian rotating disk. We used ALMA to observe the G35.20N region in the continuum and line emission at 350 GHz. The observed frequency range covers tracers of dense gas (e.g. H13CO+, C17O), molecular outflows (e.g. SiO), and hot cores (e.g. CH3CN, CH3OH). The ALMA 870 um continuum emission map reveals an elongated dust structure (0.15 pc long and 0.013 pc wide) perpendicular to the large-scale molecular outflow detected in the region, and fragmented into a number of cores with masses 1-10 Msun and sizes 1600 AU. The cores appear regularly spaced with a separation of 0.023 pc. The emission of dense gas tracers such as H13CO+ or C17O is extended and coincident with the dust elongated structure. The three strongest dust cores show emission of complex organic molecules characteristic of hot cores, with temperatures around 200 K, and relative abundances 0.2-2x10^(-8) for CH3CN and 0.6-5x10^(-6) for CH3OH. The two cores with highest mass (cores A and B) show coherent velocity fields, with gradients almost aligned with the dust elongated structure. Those velocity gradients are consistent with Keplerian disks rotating about central masses of 4-18 Msun. Perpendicular to the velocity gradients we have identified a large-scale precessing jet/outflow associated with core B, and hints of an east-west jet/outflow associated with core A. The elongated dust structure in G35.20N is fragmented into a number of dense cores that may form massive stars. Based on the velocity field of the dense gas, the orientation of the magnetic field, and the regularly spaced fragmentation, we interpret this elongated structure as the densest part of a 1D filament fragmenting and forming massive stars.

RESOLVING THE DUST DISK IN THE PROTOTYPE IONIZED DISK WIND SOURCE S140-IRS1

The dust disk confirming the presence of an ionized disk wind in the massive young stellar object, S140-IRS1, is resolved for the first time. The 1.3 mm continuum observations taken with the CARMA A array configuration achieve a resolution of ~0.''12, probing scales of 100 au. The dust disk is elongated in a direction aligned with a previously discovered ionized disk wind. Both are perpendicular to the large scale molecular outflow and near-infrared reflection nebula. A two-dimensional axis-symmetric radiative transfer model is used to produce synthetic images and visibilities for comparison with the observations. Using a 2D visibility fitting method the position angle of the dusty disk is constrained to 40° ± 5°. This result confirms the disk wind nature of the radio emission from S140-IRS1 and shows that radiation pressure on the gas in the disk is important in the later stages of the massive star formation evolutionary sequence.

ARE MOLECULAR OUTFLOWS AROUND HIGH-MASS STARS DRIVEN BY IONIZATION FEEDBACK?

The formation of massive stars exceeding 10 solar masses usually results in large-scale molecular outflows. Numerical simulations, including ionization, of the formation of such stars show evidence for ionization-driven molecular outflows. We here examine whether the outflows seen in these models reproduce the observations. We compute synthetic ALMA and CARMA maps of CO emission lines of the outflows, and compare their signatures to existing single-dish and interferometric data. We find that the ionization-driven models can only reproduce weak outflows around high-mass star-forming regions. We argue that expanding H II regions probably do not represent the dominant mechanism for driving observed outflows. We suggest instead that observed outflows are driven by the collective action of the outflows from the many lower-mass stars that inevitably form around young massive stars in a cluster.

The structure of the magnetic field in the massive star-forming region W75N

A debated topic in star formation theory is the role of magnetic fields during the protostellar phase of high-mass stars. It is still unclear how magnetic fields influence the formation and dynamics of massive disks and outflows. Most current information on magnetic fields close to high-mass protostars comes from polarized maser emissions, which allows us to investigate the magnetic field on small scales by using very long-baseline interferometry. The massive star-forming region W75N contains three radio continuum sources (VLA1, VLA2, and VLA3), at three different evolutionary stages, and associated masers, while a large-scale molecular bipolar outflow is also present. Very recently, polarization observations of the 6.7 GHz methanol masers at milliarsecond resolution have been able to probe the strength and structure of the magnetic field over more than 2000 AU around VLA1. The magnetic field is parallel to the outflow, suggesting that VLA1 is its powering source. The observations of water masers at 22 GHz can give more information about the gas dynamics and the magnetic fields around VLA1 and VLA2. The NRAO Very Long Baseline Array was used to measure the linear polarization and the Zeeman-splitting of the 22 GHz water masers in the star-forming region W75N. We detected 124 water masers, 36 around VLA1 and 88 around VLA2 of W75N, which indicate two different physical environments around the two sources, where VLA1 is in a more evolved state. The linear polarization of the masers confirms the tightly ordered magnetic field around VLA1, which is aligned with the large-scale molecular outflow, and also reveals an ordered magnetic field around VLA2, which is not parallel to the outflow. [abridged]

Star formation and the ISM in infrared bright galaxies - SHINING

The Herschel Key Project SHINING performs a study of the ISM in star forming and active infrared bright galaxies (starbursts, AGN, (U)LIRGs, interacting and low metallicity galaxies) at local and intermediate redshifts. Here we present some surprising and promising first results from parts of this programme, including spatially resolved PDR diagnostics, line deficit diagnostics, and large scale molecular outflows traced by the OH molecule.

Methanol masers probing the ordered magnetic field of W75N

The role of magnetic fields during the protostellar phase of high-mass star-formation is a debated topic. In particular, it is still unclear how magnetic fields influence the formation and dynamic of disks and outflows. Most current information on magnetic fields close to high-mass protostars comes from H2O and OH maser observations. Recently, the first 6.7 GHz methanol maser polarization observations were made, and they reveal strong and ordered magnetic fields. The morphology of the magnetic field during high-mass star-formation needs to be investigated on small scales, which can only be done using very long baseline interferometry observations. The massive star-forming regionW75N contains three radio sources and associated masers, while a large-scale molecular bipolar outflow is also present. Polarization observations of the 6.7 GHz methanol masers at high angular resolution probe the strength and structure of the magnetic field and determine its relation to the outflow. Eight of the European VLBI network antennas were used to measure the linear polarization and Zeeman-splitting of the 6.7 GHz methanol masers in the star-forming region W75N. We detected 10 methanol maser features, 4 of which were undetected in previous work. All arise near the source VLA1 of W75N. The linear polarization of the masers reveals a tightly ordered magnetic field over more than 2000 AU around VLA1 that is exactly aligned with the large-scale molecular outflow. This is consistent with the twisted magnetic field model proposed for explaining dust polarization observations. The Zeeman-splitting measured on 3 of the maser features indicates a dynamically important magnetic field in the maser region of the order of 50mG. We suggest VLA1 is the powering sources of the bipolar outflow.

THE ROTATING MOLECULAR STRUCTURES AND THE IONIZED OUTFLOW ASSOCIATED WITH IRAS 16547–4247

We present Very Large Array 1.3 cm radio continuum and water maser observations as well as Submillimeter Array SO{sub 2} (226.300 GHz) and 1.3 mm dust continuum observations toward the massive star formation region IRAS 16547-4247. We find evidence of multiple sources in the central part of the region. There is evidence of a rotating structure associated with the most massive of these sources, traced at small scales ({approx}50 AU) by the water masers. At large scales ({approx}1000 AU), we find a velocity gradient in the SO{sub 2} molecular emission with a barely resolved structure that can be modeled as a rotating ring or two separate objects. The velocity gradients of the masers and of the molecular emission have the same sense and may trace the same structure at different size scales. The position angles of the structures associated with the velocity gradients are roughly perpendicular to the outflow axis observed in radio continuum and several molecular tracers. We estimate the mass of the most massive central source to be around 30 solar masses from the velocity gradient in the water maser emission. The main source of error in this estimate is the radius of the rotating structure. We alsomore » find water masers that are associated with the large-scale molecular outflow of the system, as well as water masers that are associated with other sources in the region. Our results suggest that the formation of this source, one of the most luminous protostars or protostellar clusters known, is taking place with the presence of ionized jets and disk-like structures.« less

MULTIPLE BIPOLAR MOLECULAR OUTFLOWS FROM THE L1551 IRS5 PROTOSTELLAR SYSTEM

The multiple protostellar system L1551 IRS5 exhibits a large-scale bipolar molecular outflow. We have studied this outflow within ~4000 AU of its driving source(s) with the SubMillimeter Array. Our CO(2-1) image at ~4" (~560 AU) resolution reveals three distinct components: 1) an X-shaped structure spanning ~20" from center with a similar symmetry axis and velocity pattern as the large-scale outflow; 2) an S-shaped structure spanning ~10" from center also with an opposite velocity pattern to the large-scale outflow; and 3) a compact central component spanning ~1.4" from center again with a similar symmetry axis and velocity pattern as the large-scale outflow. The X-shaped component likely comprises the limb-brightened walls of a cone-shaped cavity excavated by the outflows from the two main protostellar components. The compact central component likely comprises material newly entrained by one or both outflows from the two main protostellar components. The S-shaped component mostly likely comprises a precessing outflow with its symmetry axis inclined in the opposite sense to the plane of the sky than the other two components. This outflow may be driven by a recently reported candidate third protostellar component in L1551 IRS5, whose circumstellar disk is misaligned relative to the two main protostellar components. Gravitational interactions between this protostellar component and its more massive northern neighbor may be causing the circumstellar disk and hence outflow of this component to precess.

The low-mass YSO CB230-A: investigating the protostar and its jet with NIR spectroscopy and Spitzer observations

Context. To investigate the earliest phases of star formation and study how newly-born stars interact with the surrounding medium, we performed a line and continuum survey at NIR and mm-wavelengths of a sample of relatively isolated Bok globules. Aims. We present a follow-up observational program of a star-forming site in the globule CB230. From narrow-band continuum observations of this site, we had discovered a bright [FeII] jet, which originates in the low-mass YSO CB230-A. We aim to investigate the physical properties of the region from where the jet is launched. Methods. Our analysis was carried out using low-resolution NIR spectra acquired with the camera NICS at the TNG telescope, with JH and HK grisms and a 1 arcsec-wide slit. These observational data were complemented with infrared photometric data from the Spitzer space telescope archive. Results. The relevant physical properties of CB230-A were constrained by SED fitting of fluxes from the NIR to the mm. The YSO spectrum exhibits a significant number of atomic and molecular emission lines and absorption features. The characteristics of this spectrum suggest that we are observing a region in the close vicinity of CB230-A, i.e. its photosphere and/or an active accretion disk. The spectra of the knots in the jet contain a large number of emission lines, including a rich set of [FeII] lines. Emission due to H2 and [FeII] are not spatially correlated, confirming that [FeII] and H2 are excited by different mechanisms, in agreement with the models where [FeII] traces dissociative J-shocks and molecular hydrogen traces slower C-shocks. By using intensity ratios involving density-sensitive [FeII] lines, we estimated the electron densities along the jet to be 6 × 10 3 –1 × 10 4 cm −3 . This indicates either high density post-shock regions of ionised gas or regions with a high degree of ionisation. Conclusions. By combining the present data with previously obtained maps at NIR- and mm-wavelengths, the emerging scenario is that CB230-A is a Class 0/I YSO driving an atomic jet that is observed to be almost monopolar probably due to its inclination to the plane of the sky and the resulting higher extinction of its red side. This primary jet appears to be sufficiently energetic to open the cavity visible in the NIR images and drive the large-scale molecular outflow observed at mm-wavelengths. CB230-A was revealed to be a good location to test the innermost structure of accreting low-mass protostars.

ATCA 3 mm observations of NGC 6334I and I(N): dense cores, outflows, and an UCH II region

Aims. We investigate the dense gas, the outflows, and the continuum emission from the massive twin cores NGC 6334I and I(N) at high spatial resolution. Methods. We imaged the region with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) at 3.4 mm wavelength in continuum, as well as CH3CN(5K −4K ) and HCN(1−0) spectral line emission. Results. While the continuum emission in NGC 6334I mainly traces the UCHii region, toward NGC 6334I(N) we detect continuum emission from four of the previously identified dust continuum condensations that are of protostellar or pre-stellar nature. The CH3CN(5K −4K ) lines are detected in all K-components up to energies of 128 K aboveground toward two protostellar condensations in both regions. We find line width increasing with increasing K for all sources, which indicates a higher degree of internal motions of the hotter gas probed by these high K-transitions. Toward the main mm and CH3CN source in NGC 6334I, we identify a velocity gradient approximately perpendicular to the large-scale molecular outflow. This may be interpreted as a signature of an accretion disk, although other scenarios, e.g., an unresolved double source, could produce a similar signature. No comparable signature is found toward any of the other sources. HCN does not trace the dense gas well in this region but it is dominated by the molecular outflows. While the outflow in NGC 6334I exhibits a normal Hubble-law like velocity structure, the data are consistent with a precessing outflow close to the plane of the sky for NGC 6334I(N). Furthermore, we observe a wide (∼15.4 km s −1 ) HCN absorption line, much broader than the previously observed CH3OH and NH3 absorption lines. Several explanations for the difference are discussed. The fits-files of the 3.4 mm continuum images and of the HCN(1−0) and CH3CN(5K−4K ) data-cubes are available in electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat? J/481/169