Maser Lines Research Articles

The Zeeman Effect in the 44 GHz Class I Methanol (CH3OH) Maser Line toward DR21W

Abstract We report the detection of the Zeeman effect in the 44 GHz Class I methanol maser line toward the high-mass star-forming region DR21W. There are two prominent maser spots in DR21W at the ends of a northwest–southeast linear arrangement. For the maser at the northwestern end (maser A), we fit three Gaussian components. In the strongest component, we obtain a significant Zeeman detection, with zB los = −23.4 ± 3.2 Hz. If we use z = −0.920 Hz mG−1 for the F = 5 → 4 hyperfine transition, this corresponds to a magnetic field, ; B los would be higher if a different hyperfine were responsible for the 44 GHz maser, but our results also rule out some hyperfines, as fields in these regions cannot be hundreds of mG. Class I methanol masers form in outflows where shocks compress magnetic fields in proportion to gas density. Designating our detected B los = 25 mG as the magnetic field in the postshock gas, we find that B los in the preshock gas should be 0.1–0.8 mG. Although there are no thermal line Zeeman detections toward DR21W, such values are in good agreement with Zeeman measurements in the CN thermal line of 0.36 and 0.71 mG about 3.′5 away in DR21(OH) in gas of comparable density to the preshock gas density in DR21W. Comparison of our derived magnetic energy density with the kinetic energy density in DR21W indicates that magnetic fields likely play a significant role in shaping the dynamics of the postshocked gas in DR21W.

A 10-M⊙ YSO with a Keplerian disk and a nonthermal radio jet

Context. To constrain present star formation models, we need to simultaneously establish the dynamical and physical properties of disks and jets around young stars. Aims. We previously observed the star-forming region G16.59−0.05 through interferometric observations of both thermal and maser lines, and identified a high-mass young stellar object (YSO) which is surrounded by an accretion disk and drives a nonthermal radio jet. Our goals are to establish the physical conditions of the environment hosting the high-mass YSO and to study the kinematics of the surrounding gas in detail. Methods. We performed high-angular-resolution (beam FWHM ≈ 0′′.15) 1.2-mm continuum and line observations towards G16.59−0.05 with the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA). Results. The main dust clump, with size ≈104 au, is resolved into four distinct, relatively compact (diameter ~2000 au) millimeter (mm) sources. The source harboring the high-mass YSO is the most prominent in molecular emission. By fitting the emission profiles of several unblended and optically thin transitions of CH3OCH3 and CH3OH, we derived gas temperatures inside the mm sources in the range 42–131 K, and calculated masses of 1–5 M⊙. A well-defined Local Standard of Rest (LSR) velocity (VLSR) gradient is detected in most of the high-density molecular tracers at the position of the high-mass YSO, pinpointed by compact 22-GHz free-free emission. This gradient is oriented along a direction forming a large (≈70°) angle with the radio jet, traced by elongated 13-GHz continuum emission. The butterfly-like shapes of the P–V plots and the linear pattern of the emission peaks of the molecular lines at high velocity confirm that this VLSR gradient is due to rotation of the gas in the disk surrounding the high-mass YSO. The disk radius is ≈500 au, and the VLSR distribution along the major axis of the disk is well reproduced by a Keplerian profile around a central mass of 10 ± 2 M⊙. The position of the YSO is offset by ≳0′′.1 from the axis of the radio jet and the dust emission peak. To explain this displacement we argue that the high-mass YSO could have moved from the center of the parental mm source owing to dynamical interaction with one or more companions.

Gemini IFU, VLA, and HST observations of the OH Megamaser Galaxy IRAS17526 + 3253★

AbstractWe present a multiwavelength study of the OH megamaser galaxy IRAS17526 + 3253, based on new Gemini multi-object spectrograph integral field unit (GMOS/IFU) observations, Hubble Space Telescope F814W, and H α + [N ii] images, and archival 2MASS and 1.49 GHz VLA data. The Hubble Space Telescope(HST) images clearly reveal a mid-to-advanced stage major merger whose northwestern and southeastern nuclei have a projected separation of ∼8.5 kpc. Our HST/H α + [N ii] image shows regions of ongoing star formation across the envelope on ∼10 kpc scales, which are aligned with radio features, supporting the interpretation that the radio emission originates from star-forming regions. The measured H α luminosities imply that the unobscured star formation rate (SFR) is ∼10–30 M⊙ yr−1. The GMOS/IFU data reveal two structures in northwestern separated by 850 pc and by a discontinuity in the velocity field of ∼ 200 km s−1. We associate the blueshifted and redshifted components with, respectively, the distorted disc of northwestern and tidal debris, possibly a tail originating in southeastern. Star formation is the main ionization source in both components, which have SFRs of ∼2.6–7.9 M⊙ yr−1 and ∼1.5–4.5 M⊙ yr−1, respectively. Fainter line emission bordering these main components is consistent with shock ionization at a velocity ∼200 km s−1 and may be the result of an interaction between the tidal tail and the northwestern galaxy’s disc. IRAS17526 + 3253 is one of only a few systems known to host both luminous OH and H2O masers. The velocities of the OH and H2O maser lines suggest that they are associated with the northwestern and southeastern galaxies, respectively (Martin et al.; Wagner).

Diagnostics of a nuclear starburst: water and methanol masers

We test models of starburst driven outflows using observations of the 22.2 GHz H$_2$O and 36.2 GHz class I CH$_3$OH maser lines. We have observed the starburst galaxy NGC 253 using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array. We present evidence for entrainment of star-forming dense-molecular gas in the outflow of NGC 253. We also show that H$_2$O masers are associated with forming super star clusters and not with supernova remnants. We detect four new 36 GHz CH$_3$OH masers in the central kpc and show possible evidence for a star-formation origin of two class I CH$_3$OH masers. Such high resolution observations are essential for understanding the origin of these masers.

Evidence for the First Extragalactic Hydrogen Recombination Line Maser in NGC 253

Abstract We present the first evidence for extragalactic hydrogen recombination line maser emission in the H26α transition toward the inner 13.5 pc nuclear region of the starburst galaxy NGC 253 using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array data. In regions with complex continuum emission (dust, free–free, and synchrotron) we propose to use the recombination line spectral index, α L ( ), between the H30α and the H26α lines to study the structure of ultra-compact H ii regions and to identify maser emission (α L > 2.1) from ionized winds. The measured values of α L ranged from 1.0 to 2.9. The largest α L can only be explained by maser emission. The measured flux density in the H26α maser in NGC 253 suggests that we are observing hundreds of stars like MWC349A, a prototypical stellar wind where maser emission arises from its circumstellar disk. We briefly discuss the implication of the detection of maser emission in starburst galaxies like NGC 253.

Survey of Regions with Methanol Masers in the CS (J = 2–1) Line: Statistical Characteristics of Radiation

The paper aims at establishing relations between the parameters of methanol maser emission that originates in dense star-forming regions and parameters of a dense core using emission of the CS molecule. A total of 164 sources toward the positions of methanol masers using the RT-22 radio telescope at CrAO, Ukraine, have been observed. For 85 sources, the CS (J = 2–1) line emission was detected. Most of the sources have been selected from catalogs of the class I and class II methanol masers. For methanol masers, this is the most complete survey in the CS (J = 2–1) line on the northern sky. A comparative analysis of parameters of methanol masers spectra in the CS (J = 2–1) line, and methanol masers, luminosities of dense cores, and infrared sources, has been performed. The detection rates of the CS (J = 2–1) line emission, its intensities and widths, the differences between the systematic velocities and velocities of the maser line centers have been investigated. The radiation detection rates in the CS (J = 2–1) line are shown to differ for various source samplings. The form of the dependences lgLcs – lgLbol, lgLmas – lgLcs and lgLmas – lgLbol has been found for sources with which methanol masers are associated. Based on the luminosity of infrared sources, samples of sources in which the CS (J = 2–1) line emission is detected with a higher probability have been determined.

Circumstellar molecular maser emission of AGB and post-AGB stars

AbstractResults of long-term studies of circumstellar molecular maser emission of late-type giant and supergiant variable stars are reported. In the 1.35-cm H2O line, the peak flux density correlates with the optical brightness lagging behind it by 0.3–0.4 P (P is the stellar period). “Superperiods” of 10 to 15 P are visible in several stars, demonstrated as high maxima in the visible light curve and associated flares in the H2O maser line. In the 18-cm OH lines, full polarization of the maser emission has been measured. Variable Zeeman patterns suggesting a changing magnetic field of a few milligauss have been detected.

“KAGONMA” NH3 mapping observations of molecular clouds with Nobeyama 45m telescope

AbstractIn the collapsing phase of a molecular cloud, the molecular gas temperature is a key to understand the evolutionary process from a dense molecular cloud to stars. In order to know this, mapping observations in NH3 lines are required. Therefore, we made them based on the FUGIN (FOREST Unbiased Galactic plane Imaging survey with Nobeyama 45m telescope). The 6 maps were observed in NH3 (J,K) = (1,1), (2,2), (3,3) and H2O maser lines and obtained temperature maps; some show temperature gradient in a cloud. Additionally 72 cores were observed. These candidates were called as KAGONMA or KAG objects as abbreviation of KAgoshima Galactic Object survey with Nobeyama 45-M telescope in Ammonia lines. We show the results of two regions in W33 and discuss their astrophysical properties.

The Maser-emitting Structure and Time Variability of the SiS Lines J=14−13 and 15-14 in IRC+10216

AbstractAGB stars are important contributors of processed matter to the ISM. However, the physical and chemical mechanisms involved in its ejection are still poorly known. This process is expected to have remarkable effects in the innermost envelope, where the dust grains are formed, the gas is accelerated, the chemistry is active, and the radiative excitation becomes important. A good tracer of this region in C-rich stars is SiS, an abundant refractory molecule that can display maser lines, very sensitive to changes in the physical conditions. We present high angular resolution interferometer observations (HPBW ≳0.″.25) of the v = 0 J = 14 – 13 and 15 – 14 SiS maser lines towards the archetypal AGB star IRC+10216, carried out with CARMA and ALMA to explore the inner 1” region around the central star. We also present an ambitious monitoring of these lines along one single pulsation period carried out with the IRAM 30 m telescope.

Zeeman Effect Observations in Class I Methanol Masers

AbstractWe report the detection of the Zeeman effect in the 44 GHz Class I methanol maser line toward the star forming region DR21W. The 44 GHz methanol masers in this source occur in a ∼3” linear structure that runs from northwest to southeast, with the two dominant components at each end, and several weaker maser components in between. Toward a 93 Jy maser in the dominant northwestern component, we find a significant Zeeman detection of −23.4 ± 3.2 Hz. If we use the recently published result of Lankhaar et al. (2018) that the F=5-4 hyperfine transition is responsible for the 44 GHz methanol maser line, then their value of z = −0.92 Hz mG−1 yields a line-of-sight magnetic field of Blos =25.4 ± 3.5 mG. If Class I methanol masers are pumped in high density regions with n∼107–8 cm−3, then magnetic fields in these maser regions should be a few to several tens of mG. Therefore, our result in DR21W is certainly consistent with the expected values.Using the above noted splitting factor in past Zeeman effect detections in Class I methanol masers reported by Sarma & Momjian (2011) and Momjian & Sarma (2017) in the star forming regions OMC-2 and DR21(OH) result in Blos values of 20.0 ± 1.2 mG and 58.2 ± 2.9 mG, respectively. These are also consistent with the expected values.

SWAG: Distribution and Kinematics of an Obscured AGB Population toward the Galactic Center

AbstractOutflows from AGB stars enrich the Galactic environment with metals and inject mechanical energy into the ISM. Radio spectroscopy can recover both properties through observations of molecular lines. We present results from SWAG: “Survey of Water and Ammonia in the Galactic Center”. The survey covers the entire Central Molecular Zone (CMZ), the inner 3.35° × 0.9° (∼480 × 130 pc) of the Milky Way that contains 5 × 107 M⊙ of molecular gas. Although our survey primarily targets the CMZ, we observe across the entire sightline through the Milky Way. AGB stars are revealed by their signature of double peaked 22 GHz water maser lines. They are distinguished by their spectral signatures and their luminosities, which reach up to 10−7 L⊙. Higher luminosities are usually associated with Young Stellar Objects located in CMZ star forming regions. We detect a population of ∼600 new water masers that can likely be associated with AGB outflows.

The Radio Ammonia Mid-plane Survey (RAMPS) Pilot Survey

The Radio Ammonia Mid-Plane Survey (RAMPS) is a molecular line survey that aims to map a portion of the Galactic midplane in the first quadrant of the Galaxy (l = 10 deg - 40 deg, |b| < 0.4 deg) using the Green Bank Telescope. We present results from the pilot survey, which has mapped approximately 6.5 square degrees in fields centered at l = 10 deg, 23 deg, 24 deg, 28 deg, 29 deg, 30 deg, 31 deg, 38 deg, 45 deg, and 47 deg. RAMPS observes the NH3 inversion transitions NH3(1, 1) - (5, 5), the H2O 6(1,6) - 5(2,3) maser line at 22.235 GHz, and several other molecular lines. We present a representative portion of the data from the pilot survey, including NH3(1,1) and NH3(2,2) integrated intensity maps, H2O maser positions, maps of NH3 velocity, NH3 line width, total NH3 column density, and NH3 rotational temperature. These data and the data cubes from which they were produced are publicly available on the RAMPS website (http://sites.bu.edu/ramps/).

A revised distance to IRAS 16293-2422 from VLBA astrometry of associated water masers

IRAS 16293-2422 is a very well-studied young stellar system seen in projection towards the L1689N cloud in the Ophiuchus complex. However, its distance is still uncertain; there is a range of values from 120 pc to 180 pc. Our goal is to measure the trigonometric parallax of this young star by means of H2O maser emission. We use archival data from 15 epochs of VLBA observations of the 22.2 GHz water maser line. By modeling the displacement on the sky of the H2O maser spots, we derived a trigonometric parallax of 7.1 ± 1.3 mas, corresponding to a distance of 141−21+30 pc. This new distance is in good agreement with recent values obtained for other magnetically active young stars in the L1689 cloud. We relate the kinematics of these masers with the outflows and the recent ejections powered by source A in the system.

The Dual Role of Starbursts and Active Galactic Nuclei in Driving Extreme Molecular Outflows

Abstract We report molecular gas observations of IRAS 20100−4156 and IRAS 03158+4227, two local ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) hosting some of the fastest and most massive molecular outflows known. Using Atacama Large Millimeter Array and Plateau de Bure Interferometer observations, we spatially resolve the CO (1−0) emission from the outflowing molecular gas in both and find maximum outflow velocities of v max ∼ 1600 and ∼1700 km s−1 for IRAS 20100−4156 and IRAS 03158+4227, respectively. We find total gas mass outflow rates of and ∼350 M ⊙ yr−1, respectively, corresponding to molecular gas depletion timescales and ∼16 Myr. This is nearly 3 times shorter than the depletion timescales implied by star formation, and ∼46 Myr, respectively. To determine the outflow driving mechanism, we compare the starburst luminosity (L *) and active galactic nucleus (AGN) luminosity (L AGN) to the outflowing energy and momentum fluxes, using mid-infrared spectral decomposition to discern L AGN. Comparison to other molecular outflows in ULIRGs reveals that outflow properties correlate similarly with L * and L IR as with L AGN, indicating that AGN luminosity alone may not be a good tracer of feedback strength and that a combination of AGN and starburst activity may be driving the most powerful molecular outflows. We also detect the OH 1.667 GHz maser line from both sources and demonstrate its utility in detecting molecular outflows.

Widespread HCN maser emission in carbon-rich evolved stars

Context.HCN is a major constituent of the circumstellar envelopes of carbon-rich evolved stars, and rotational lines from within its vibrationally excited states probe parts of these regions closest to the stellar surface. A number of such lines are known to show maser action. Historically, in one of them, the 177 GHzJ= 2 → 1 line in thel-doubled bending mode has been found to show relatively strong maser action, with results only published for a single object, the archetypical high-mass loss asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star IRC+10216.Aims.To examine how common 177 GHz HCN maser emission is, we conducted an exploratory survey for this line toward a select sample of carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch stars that are observable from the southern hemisphere.Methods.We used the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment 12 meter submillimeter Telescope (APEX) equipped with a new receiver to simultaneously observe threeJ= 2 → 1 HCN rotational transitions, the (0, 11c, 0) and (0, 11d, 0)l-doublet components, and the line from the (0,0,0) ground state.Results.The (0, 11c, 0) maser line is detected toward 11 of 13 observed sources, which all show emission in the (0,0,0) transition. In most of the sources, the peak intensity of the (0, 11c, 0) line rivals that of the (0,0,0) line; in two sources, it is even stronger. Except for the object with the highest mass-loss rate, IRC+10216, the (0, 11c, 0) line covers a smaller velocity range than the (0,0,0) line. The (0, 11d, 0) line, which is detected in four of the sources, is much weaker than the other two lines and covers a velocity range that is smaller yet, again except for IRC+10216. Compared to its first detection in 1989, the profile of the (0, 11c, 0) line observed toward IRC+10216 looks very different, and we also appear to see variability in the (0,0,0) line profile (at a much lower degree). Our limited information on temporal variabilitydisfavors a strong correlation of maser and stellar continuum flux.Conclusions.Maser emission in the 177 GHzJ= 2 → 1 (0, 11c, 0) line of HCN appears to be common in carbon-rich AGB stars. Like for other vibrationally excited HCN lines, our observations indicate that the origin of these lines is in the acceleration zone of the stellar outflow in which dust is forming. For all the stars toward which we detect the maser line, the number of photons available at 7 and 14μm, corresponding to transitions to vibrationally excited states possibly involved in its pumping, is found to be far greater than that of the maser photons, which makes radiative pumping feasible. Other findings point to a collisional pumping scheme, however.

Characterization of methanol as a magnetic field tracer in star-forming regions

Magnetic fields play an important role during star formation. Direct magnetic field strength observations have proven specifically challenging in the extremely dynamic protostellar phase. Because of their occurrence in the densest parts of star forming regions, masers, through polarization observations, are the main source of magnetic field strength and morphology measurements around protostars. Of all maser species, methanol is one of the strongest and most abundant tracers of gas around high-mass protostellar disks and in outflows. However, as experimental determination of the magnetic characteristics of methanol has remained largely unsuccessful, a robust magnetic field strength analysis of these regions could hitherto not be performed. Here we report a quantitative theoretical model of the magnetic properties of methanol, including the complicated hyperfine structure that results from its internal rotation. We show that the large range in values of the Land\'{e} g-factors of the hyperfine components of each maser line lead to conclusions which differ substantially from the current interpretation based on a single effective g-factor. These conclusions are more consistent with other observations and confirm the presence of dynamically important magnetic fields around protostars. Additionally, our calculations show that (non-linear) Zeeman effects must be taken into account to further enhance the accuracy of cosmological electron-to-proton mass ratio determinations using methanol.

Vibrationally excited water emission at 658 GHz from evolved stars

Context. Several rotational transitions of ortho- and para-water have been identified toward evolved stars in the ground vibrational state as well as in the first excited state of the bending mode (v2 = 1 in (0, 1, 0) state). In the latter vibrational state of water, the 658 GHz J = 11,0−10,1 rotational transition is often strong and seems to be widespread in late-type stars. Aims. Our main goals are to better characterize the nature of the 658 GHz emission, compare the velocity extent of the 658 GHz emission with SiO maser emission to help locate the water layers and, more generally, investigate the physical conditions prevailing in the excited water layers of evolved stars. Another goal is to identify new 658 GHz emission sources and contribute in showing that this emission is widespread in evolved stars. Methods. We have used the J = 11,0−10,1 rotational transition of water in the (0, 1, 0) vibrational state nearly 2400 K above the ground-state to trace some of the physical conditions of evolved stars. Eleven evolved stars were extracted from our mini-catalog of existing and potential 658 GHz sources for observations with the Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX) telescope equipped with the SEPIA Band 9 receiver. The 13CO J = 6−5 line at 661 GHz was placed in the same receiver sideband for simultaneous observation with the 658 GHz line of water. We have compared the ratio of these two lines to the same ratio derived from HIFI earlier observations to check for potential time variability in the 658 GHz line. We have compared the 658 GHz line properties with our H2O radiative transfer models in stars and we have compared the velocity ranges of the 658 GHz and SiO J = 2−1, v = 1 maser lines. Results. Eleven stars have been extracted from our catalog of known or potential 658 GHz evolved stars. All of them show 658 GHz emission with a peak flux density in the range ≈50–70 Jy (RU Hya and RT Eri) to ≈2000–3000 Jy (VY CMa and W Hya). Five Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars and one supergiant (AH Sco) are new detections. Three AGBs and one supergiant (VY CMa) exhibit relatively weak 13CO J = 6−5 line emission while o Ceti shows stronger 13CO emission. We have shown that the 658 GHz line is masing and we found that the 658 GHz velocity extent tends to be correlated with that of the SiO maser suggesting that both emission lines are excited in circumstellar layers close to the central star. Broad and stable line profiles are observed at 658 GHz. This could indicate maser saturation although we have tentatively provided first information on time variability at 658 GHz.

Detection of a new methanol maser line with ALMA

Aims. We aimed at investigating the structure and kinematics of the gaseous disk and outflows around the massive YSO S255 NIRS3 in the S255IR-SMA1 dense clump. Methods. Observations of the S255IR region were carried out with ALMA at two epochs in the compact and extended configurations. Results. We serendipitously detected a new, never predicted, bright maser line at about 349.1 GHz, which most probably represents the CH$_3$OH $14_{1} - 14_{0}$ A$^{- +}$ transition. The emission covers most of the 6.7 GHz methanol maser emission area of almost 1$^{\prime\prime}$ in size and shows a velocity gradient in the same sense as the disk rotation. No variability was found on the time interval of several months. It is classified as Class II maser and probably originates in a ring at a distance of several hundreds AU from the central star.

First detection of a THz water maser in NGC 7538-IRS1 with SOFIA and new 22 GHz e-MERLIN maps

Context. The formation of massive stars (M&gt; 10M⊙, L &gt; 103L⊙) is still not well understood. Accumulating a large amount of mass infalling within a single entity in spite of radiation pressure is possible if, in addition to several other conditions, enough thermal energy is released. Despite numerous water line observations over a broad range of energies obtained with the Herschel Space Observatory, observations were not able to trace the emission from the hot core around the newly forming protostellar object in most of the sources. Aims. We wish to probe the physical conditions and water abundance in the inner layers of the host protostellar object NGC 7538-IRS1 using a highly excited H2O line. Water maser models predict that several THz water masers should be detectable in these objects. We therefore aim to detect the o-H2O 82,7−73,4 line in a star forming region for the first time. Model calculations have predicted this line to show maser action. Methods. We present SOFIA observations of the o-H2O 82,7−73,4 line at 1296.41106 GHz and a 616−523 22 GHz e-MERLIN map of the region (the very first 22 GHz images made after the e-MERLIN upgrade). In order to be able to constrain the nature of the emission – thermal or maser – we used near-simultaneous observations of the 22 GHz water maser performed with the Effelsberg radiotelescope and e-MERLIN. A thermal water model using the RATRAN radiative transfer code is presented based on HIFI pointed observations. Molecular water abundances are derived for the hot core. Results. The o-H2O 82,7−73,4 line is detected toward NGC 7538-IRS1 with one feature at the source velocity (–57.7 kms-1) and another one at –48.4 kms-1. We propose that the emission at the source velocity is consistent with thermal excitation and is excited in the innermost part of the IRS1a, in the closest circumstellar environment of the massive protostellar object. The other emission is very likely the first detection of a water THz maser line, pumped by shocks due to the IRS1b outflow, in a star-forming region. Assuming thermal excitation of the THz line, the water abundance in the hot core of NGC 7538-IRS1 is estimated to be 5.2 × 10-5 with respect to H2.

Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT) observations of Local Group dwarf galaxies

AbstractThe dwarf galaxies in the Local Group (LG) reveal a surprising amount of spatial structuring. In particular, almost all non-satellite dwarfs belong to one of two planes that show a very pronounced symmetry. In order to determine if these structures in the LG are dynamically stable or, alternatively, if they only represent transient alignments, proper motion measurements of these galaxies are required. A viable method to derive proper motions is offered by VLBI studies of 22-GHz water (and 6.7-GHz methanol) maser lines in star-forming regions.In 2016, in the framework of the Early Science Program of the Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT), we have conducted an extensive observational campaign to map the entire optical body of all the LG dwarf galaxies that belong to the two planes, at C and K band, in a search for methanol and water maser emission.Here, we outline the project and present its first results on 3 targets, NGC 6822, IC 1613, and WLM. While no luminous maser emission has been detected in these galaxies, a number of interesting weaker detections has been obtained, associated with particularly active star forming regions. In addition, we have produced deep radio continuum maps for these galaxies, aimed at investigating their star forming activity and providing an improved assessment of star formation rates in these galaxies.