Orion Molecular Cloud Research Articles

Hunting for hot corinos and WCCC sources in the OMC-2/3 filament

Context. Solar-like protostars are known to be chemically rich, but it is not yet clear how much their chemical composition can vary and why. So far, two chemically distinct types of Solar-like protostars have been identified: hot corinos, which are enriched in interstellar Complex Organic Molecules, such as methanol (CH3OH) or dimethyl ether (CH3OCH3), and warm carbon chain chemistry (WCCC) objects, which are enriched in carbon chain molecules, such as butadiynyl (C4H) or ethynyl radical (CCH). However, none of these have been studied so far in environments similar to that in which our Sun was born, that is, one that is close to massive stars. Aims. In this work, we search for hot corinos and WCCC objects in the closest analogue to the Sun’s birth environment, the Orion Molecular Cloud 2/3 (OMC-2/3) filament located in the Orion A molecular cloud. Methods. We obtained single-dish observations of CCH and CH3OH line emission towards nine Solar-like protostars in this region. As in other similar studies of late, we used the [CCH]/[CH3OH] abundance ratio in order to determine the chemical nature of our protostar sample. Results. Unexpectedly, we found that the observed methanol and ethynyl radical emission (over a few thousands au scale) does not seem to originate from the protostars but rather from the parental cloud and its photo-dissociation region, illuminated by the OB stars of the region. Conclusions. Our results strongly suggest that caution should be taken before using [CCH]/[CH3OH] from single-dish observations as an indicator of the protostellar chemical nature and that there is a need for other tracers or high angular resolution observations for probing the inner protostellar layers.

Detection of Irregular, Submillimeter Opaque Structures in the Orion Molecular Clouds: Protostars within 10,000 yr of Formation?

Abstract We report Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array and Very Large Array continuum observations that potentially identify the four youngest protostars in the Orion Molecular Clouds taken as part of the Orion VANDAM program. These are distinguished by bright, extended, irregular emission at 0.87 and 8 mm and are optically thick at 0.87 mm. These structures are distinct from the disk or point-like morphologies seen toward the other Orion protostars. The 0.87 mm emission implies temperatures of 41–170 K, requiring internal heating. The bright 8 mm emission implies masses of 0.5–1.2 M ⊙ assuming standard dust opacity models. One source has a Class 0 companion, while another exhibits substructure indicating a companion candidate. Three compact outflows are detected, two of which may be driven by companions, with dynamical times of ∼300 to ∼1400 yr. The slowest outflow may be driven by a first hydrostatic core. These protostars appear to trace an early phase when the centers of collapsing fragments become optically thick to their own radiation and compression raises the gas temperature. This phase is thought to accompany the formation of hydrostatic cores. A key question is whether these structures are evolving on freefall times of ∼100 yr, or whether they are evolving on Kelvin–Helmholtz times of several thousand years. The number of these sources imply a lifetime of ∼6000 yr, in closer agreement with the Kelvin–Helmholtz time. In this case, rotational and/or magnetic support could be slowing the collapse.

The VLA/ALMA Nascent Disk and Multiplicity (VANDAM) Survey of Orion Protostars. II. A Statistical Characterization of Class 0 and Class I Protostellar Disks

Abstract We have conducted a survey of 328 protostars in the Orion molecular clouds with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array at 0.87 mm at a resolution of ∼0.″1 (40 au), including observations with the Very Large Array at 9 mm toward 148 protostars at a resolution of ∼0.″08 (32 au). This is the largest multiwavelength survey of protostars at this resolution by an order of magnitude. We use the dust continuum emission at 0.87 and 9 mm to measure the dust disk radii and masses toward the Class 0, Class I, and flat-spectrum protostars, characterizing the evolution of these disk properties in the protostellar phase. The mean dust disk radii for the Class 0, Class I, and flat-spectrum protostars are , , and au, respectively, and the mean protostellar dust disk masses are 25.9 , , , respectively. The decrease in dust disk masses is expected from disk evolution and accretion, but the decrease in disk radii may point to the initial conditions of star formation not leading to the systematic growth of disk radii or that radial drift is keeping the dust disk sizes small. At least 146 protostellar disks (35% of 379 detected 0.87 mm continuum sources plus 42 nondetections) have disk radii greater than 50 au in our sample. These properties are not found to vary significantly between different regions within Orion. The protostellar dust disk mass distributions are systematically larger than those of Class II disks by a factor of >4, providing evidence that the cores of giant planets may need to at least begin their formation during the protostellar phase.

First Resolved Dust Continuum Measurements of Individual Giant Molecular Clouds in the Andromeda Galaxy

Abstract In our local Galactic neighborhood, molecular clouds are best studied using a combination of dust measurements, to determine robust masses, sizes, and internal structures of the clouds, and molecular-line observations to determine cloud kinematics and chemistry. We present here the first results of a program designed to extend such studies to nearby galaxies beyond the Magellanic Clouds. Utilizing the wideband upgrade of the Submillimeter Array (SMA) at 230 GHz, we have obtained the first continuum detections of the thermal dust emission on sub-GMC scales (∼15 pc) within the Andromeda galaxy (M31). These include the first resolved continuum detections of dust emission from individual giant molecular clouds (GMCs) beyond the Magellanic Clouds. Utilizing a powerful capability of the SMA, we simultaneously recorded CO(2−1) emission with identical (u, v) coverage, astrometry, and calibration, enabling the first measurements of the CO conversion factor, α CO(2−1), toward individual GMCs across an external galaxy. Our direct measurement yields an average CO-to-dust mass conversion factor of M ⊙ (K km s−1 pc2)−1 for the J = 2−1 transition. This value does not appear to vary with galactocentric radius. Assuming a constant gas-to-dust ratio of 136, the resulting α CO = 5.7 ± 2.4 M ⊙ (K km s−1 pc2)−1 for the 2−1 transition is in excellent agreement with that of GMCs in the Milky Way, given the uncertainties. Finally, using the same analysis techniques, we compare our results with observations of the local Orion molecular clouds, placed at the distance of M31 and simulated to appear as they would if observed by the SMA.

Interstellar Formation of Biorelevant Pyruvic Acid (CH <sub>3</sub>COCOOH)

Pyruvic acid represents a key molecular building block in prebiotic chemistry to form metabolites and amino acids. As conditions on early Earth were not favorable for an endogenous formation of pyruvic acid, an exogenous delivery by comets and meteorites constitutes an appealing alternative. However, despite the detection of more than 200 molecules in interstellar and circumstellar environments, pyruvic acid has yet remained elusive. Here we report on the formation of pyruvic acid by barrierless recombination of hydroxycarbonyl (HOCO) and acetyl (CH3CO) radicals in interstellar ices modelling interstellar conditions of acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) driven by galactic cosmic rays. Exploiting isotopically labelled ices and photoionization reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry, the subliming neutral reaction products were selectively photoionized in the temperature programmed desorption phase and isomers discriminated based on their distinct ionization energies. These results reveal a key reaction pathway for the synthesis of pyruvic acid through non-equilibrium reactions in interstellar ices in cold molecular clouds like TMC-1 and star forming regions such as the Orion Molecular Cloud complex (OMC-1), thus offering a unique entry point to abiotic organic synthesis in deep space.

A SETI survey of the Vela region using the Murchison Widefield Array: Orders of magnitude expansion in search space

AbstractFollowing the results of our previous low-frequency searches for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), directed towards the Galactic Centre and the Orion Molecular Cloud (Galactic Anticentre), we report a new large-scale survey towards the Vela region with the lowest upper limits thus far obtained with the MWA. Using the MWA in the frequency range 98–128 MHz over a 17-h period, a$400\,\textrm{deg}^{2}$field centred on the Vela Supernova Remnant was observed with a frequency resolution of 10 kHz. Within this field, there are six known exoplanets. At the positions of these exoplanets, we searched for narrow-band signals consistent with radio transmissions from intelligent civilisations. No unknown signals were found with a 5$\sigma$detection threshold. In total, across this work plus our two previous surveys, we have now examined 75 known exoplanets at low frequencies. In addition to the known exoplanets, we have included in our analysis the calculation of the Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) upper limits towards over 10 million stellar sources in the Vela field with known distances fromGaia(assuming a 10-kHz transmission bandwidth). Using the methods of Wright, Kanodia, & Lubar (2018) to describe an eight-dimensional parameter space for SETI searches, our survey achieves the largest search fraction yet, two orders of magnitude higher than the previous highest (our MWA Galactic Anticentre survey), reaching a search fraction of$\ \sim2\,{\times}\,10^{-16}$. We also compare our results to previous SETI programs in the context of the$\mbox{EIRP}_{\textrm{min}}$—Transmitter Rate plane. Our results clearly continue to demonstrate that SETI has a long way to go. But, encouragingly, the MWA SETI surveys also demonstrate that large-scale SETI surveys, in particular for telescopes with a large field-of-view, can be performed commensally with observations designed primarily for astrophysical purposes.

The NIKA polarimeter on science targets: Crab nebula observations at 150 GHz and dual-band polarization images of Orion Molecular Cloud OMC-1

We present here the polarization system of the NIKA camera and give a summary of the main results obtained and performed studies on Orion and the Crab nebula. The polarization system was equipped with a room temperature continuously rotating multi-mesh half wave plate and a grid polarizer facing the NIKA cryostat window. NIKA even though less sensitive than NIKA2 had polarization capability in both 1 and 2 millimiter bands. NIKA polarization observations demonstrated the ability of such a technology in detecting the polarization of different targets, compact and extended sources like the Crab nebula and Orion Molecular Cloud region OMC-1. These measurements together with the developed techniques to deal with systematics, opened the way to the current observations of NIKA2 in polarization that will provide important advances in the studies of galactic and extra-galactic emission and magnetic fields.

Discovery of a 21 Myr old stellar population in the Orion complex

Context. The Orion complex is arguably the most studied star-forming region in the Galaxy. While stars are still being born in the Orion nebula, the oldest part was believed to be no more than 13 Myr old. Aims. In order to study the full hierarchy of star formation across the Orion complex, we perform a clustering analysis of the Ori OB1a region using new stellar surveys and derive robust ages for each identified stellar aggregate. Methods. We use Gaia DR2 parameters supplemented with radial velocities from the GALAH and APOGEE surveys to perform clustering of the Ori OB1a association. Five overdensities are resolved in a six-dimensional parameter space (positions, distance, proper motions, and radial velocity). Most correspond to previously known structures (ASCC 16, 25 Orionis, ASCC 20, ASCC 21). We use Gaia DR2, Pan-STARRS1 and 2MASS photometry to fit isochrones to the colour-magnitude diagrams of the identified clusters. The ages of the clusters can thus be measured with ∼10% precision. Results. While four of the clusters have ages between 11 and 13 Myr, the ASCC 20 cluster stands out at an age of 21 ± 3 Myr. This is significantly greater than the age of any previously known component of the Orion complex. To some degree, all clusters overlap in at least one of the six phase-space dimensions. Conclusions. We argue that the formation history of the Orion complex, and its relation to the Gould belt, must be reconsidered. A significant challenge in reconstructing the history of the Ori OB1a association is to understand the impact of the newly discovered 21 Myr old population on the younger parts of the complex, including their formation.

Origin of hydrogen fluoride emission in the Orion Bar

Context. The hydrogen fluoride (HF) molecule is seen in absorption in the interstellar medium (ISM) along many lines of sight. Surprisingly, it is observed in emission toward the Orion Bar, which is an interface between the ionized region around the Orion Trapezium stars and the Orion molecular cloud. Aims. We aim to understand the origin of HF emission in the Orion Bar by comparing its spatial distribution with other tracers. We examine three mechanisms to explain the HF emission: thermal excitation, radiative dust pumping, and chemical pumping. Methods. We used a Herschel/HIFI strip map of the HF J = 1 → 0 line, covering 0.5′ by 1.5′ that is oriented perpendicular to the Orion Bar. We used the RADEX non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) code to construct the HF column density map. We use the Meudon PDR code to explain the morphology of HF. Results. The bulk of the HF emission at 10 km s−1 emerges from the CO-dark molecular gas that separates the ionization front from the molecular gas that is deeper in the Orion Bar. The excitation of HF is caused mainly by collisions with H2 at a density of 105 cm−3 together with a small contribution of electrons in the interclump gas of the Orion Bar. Infrared pumping and chemical pumping are not important. Conclusions. We conclude that the HF J = 1 → 0 line traces CO-dark molecular gas. Similarly, bright photodissociation regions associated with massive star formation may be responsible for the HF emission observed toward active galactic nuclei.

Runaway Young Stars near the Orion Nebula

Abstract The star-forming region of the Orion Nebula (ONC) is ideal to study the stellar dynamics of young stars in a clustered environment. Using Gaia DR2 we search for pre-main sequence stars with unusually high proper motions that may be representative of a dynamical ejection from unstable young triple systems or other close three-body encounters. We identify 26 candidate stars that are likely to have had such an encounter in the last 1 Myr. Nine of these stars could be traced back to the densest central-most region of the ONC, the Trapezium, while five others have likely interactions with other OB-type stars in the cluster. Seven stars originate from other nearby populations within the Orion Complex that coincidentally scattered toward the ONC. A definitive point of origin cannot be identified for the remaining sources. These observations shed light on the frequency of the ejection events in young clusters.

Not so different after all: properties and spatial structure of column density peaks in the pipe and Orion A clouds

ABSTRACT We present a comparative study of the physical properties and the spatial distribution of column density peaks in two giant molecular clouds (GMCs), the Pipe Nebula and Orion A, which exemplify opposite cases of star cluster formation stages. The density peaks were extracted from dust extinction maps constructed from Herschel/SPIRE far-infrared images. We compare the distribution functions for dust temperature, mass, equivalent radius, and mean volume density of peaks in both clouds, and made a more fair comparison by isolating the less active Tail region in Orion A and by convolving the Pipe Nebula map to simulate placing it at a distance similar to that of the Orion Complex. The peak mass distributions for Orion A, the Tail, and the convolved Pipe have similar ranges, sharing a maximum near 5 M⊙ and a similar power-law drop above 10 M⊙. Despite the clearly distinct evolutive stage of the clouds, there are very important similarities in the physical and spatial distribution properties of the column density peaks, pointing to a scenario where they form as a result of uniform fragmentation of filamentary structures across the various scales of the cloud, with density being the parameter leading the fragmentation, and with clustering being a direct result of thermal fragmentation at different spatial scales. Our work strongly supports the idea that the formation of clusters in GMC could be the result of the primordial organization of pre-stellar material.

Disk masses in the Orion Molecular Cloud-2: distinguishing time and environment

Context. The mass evolution of protoplanetary disks is driven by internal processes and by external factors such as photoevaporation. Disentangling these two effects, however, remains difficult. Aims. We measured the dust masses of a sample of 132 disks in the Orion Molecular Cloud 2 (OMC-2) region, and compared them to externally photoevaporated disks in the Trapezium cluster, and to disks in nearby low-mass star-forming regions (SFRs). This allowed us to test whether initial disk properties are the same in high- and low-mass SFRs, and enabled a direct measurement of the effect of external photoevaporation on disks. Methods. A ~ 20′ × 4′ mosaic of 3 mm continuum observations from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) was used to measure the fluxes of 132 disks and 35 protostars >0.5 pc away from the Trapezium. We identify and characterize a sample of 34 point sources not included in the Spitzer catalog on which the sample is based. Results. Of the disks, 37 (28%) are detected, and have masses ranging from 7−270 M⊕. The detection rate for protostars is higher (69%). Disks near the Trapezium are found to be less massive by a factor 0.18−0.11+0.18, implying a mass loss rate of 8 × 10−8 M⊙ yr−1. Conclusions. Our observations allow us to distinguish the impact of time and environment on disk evolution in a single SFR. The disk mass distribution in OMC-2 is statistically indistinguishable from that in nearby low-mass SFRs like Lupus and Taurus. We conclude that age is the main factor that determines the evolution of these disks. This result is robust with respect to assumptions of dust temperature, sample incompleteness, and biases. The difference between the OMC-2 and Trapezium cluster samples is consistent with mass loss driven by far-ultraviolet radiation near the Trapezium. Taken together, this implies that in isolation disk formation and evolution proceed similarly, regardless of cloud mass.

Structure, kinematics, and ages of the young stellar populations in the Orion region

We present a study of the three dimensional structure, kinematics, and age distribution of the Orion OB association, based on the second data release of theGaiasatellite (GaiaDR2). Our goal is to obtain a complete picture of the star formation history of the Orion complex and to relate our findings to theories of sequential and triggered star formation. We selected the Orion population with simple photometric criteria, and we constructed a three dimensional map in galactic Cartesian co-ordinates to study the physical arrangement of the stellar clusters in the Orion region. The map shows structures that extend for roughly 150 pc along the line of sight, divided in multiple sub-clusters. We separated different groups by using the density-based clustering algorithm DBSCAN. We studied the kinematic properties of all the groups found by DBSCAN first by inspecting their proper motion distribution, and then by applying a kinematic modelling code based on an iterative maximum likelihood approach, which we used to derive their mean velocity, velocity dispersion, and isotropic expansion. We derived ages and extinction values for all the groups by using an isochrone fitting procedure. We confirm the presence of an old population (∼15 Myr) towards the 25 Ori region, and we find that groups with ages of 12 − 15 Myr are present also towards the Belt region. We notice the presence of a population of ∼10 Myr also in front of the Orion A molecular cloud. Our findings suggest that star formation in Orion does not follow a simple sequential scenario, but instead consists of multiple events, which caused kinematic and physical sub-structure. To fully explain the detailed sequence of events, specific simulations and further radial velocity data are needed.

The complexity of Orion: an ALMA view

The chemistry of complex organic molecules in interstellar dark clouds is still highly uncertain in part because of the lack of constraining observations. Orion is the closest massive star-forming region, and observations making use of ALMA allow us to separate the emission regions of various complex organic molecules (COMs) in both velocity and space. Orion also benefits from an exceptional situation, in that it is the site of a powerful explosive event that occurred ∼550 years ago. We show that the closely surrounding Kleinmann-Low region has clearly been influenced by this explosion; some molecular species have been pushed away from the densest parts while others have remained in close proximity. This dynamical segregation reveals the time dependence of the chemistry and, therefore allows us to better constrain the formation sequence of COMs and other species, including deuterated molecules.

Nobeyama 45 m mapping observations toward Orion A. III. Multi-line observations toward an outflow-shocked region, Orion Molecular Cloud 2 FIR 4

Abstract We present the results of mapping observations toward an outflow-shocked region, OMC-2 FIR 4, using the Nobeyama 45 m telescope. We observed the area in 13CO (J = 1–0), C18O (J = 1–0), N2H+ (J = 1–0), CCS (JN = 87–76), HCO+ (J = 1–0), H13CO+ (J = 1–0), HN13C (J = 1–0), H13CN (J = 1–0), DNC (J = 1–0), N2D+ (J = 1–0), and DC3N (J = 9–8). We detected a dense molecular clump that contains FIR 4/5. We also detected, in the 13CO line, blueshifted and redshifted components driven presumably by protostellar outflows in this region. The axes of the FIR 3 and VLA 13 outflows, projected on the plane of the sky, appear to point to the FIR 4 clump, suggesting that it may be compressed by protostellar outflows from Class I sources, FIR 3 and VLA 13. Applying a hyperfine fit of N2H+ lines, we estimated the excitation temperature to be ∼20 K. The high excitation temperature is consistent with the fact that the clump contains protostars. CCS emission was detected in this region for the first time. Its abundance is estimated to be a few × 10−12, indicating that the region is chemically evolved at ∼105 yr, which is comparable to the typical lifetime of Class I protostars. This timescale is consistent with the scenario that star formation in FIR 4 is triggered by dynamical compression of the protostellar outflows. The [HNC]/[HCN] ratio was evaluated to be ∼0.5 in the dense clump and the outflow lobes, whereas it is somewhat larger in the envelope of the dense clump. The small [HNC]/[HCN] ratio indicates that HNC formation was prevented due to high temperatures. Such high temperatures seem to be consistent with the scenario that either protostellar radiation, or outflow compression, or both affected the thermal properties of this region.

Constraining the Rate of Protostellar Accretion Outbursts in the Orion Molecular Clouds

Abstract Outbursts due to dramatic increases in the mass accretion rate are the most extreme type of variability in young stellar objects. We searched for outbursts among 319 protostars in the Orion molecular clouds by comparing 3.6, 4.5, and 24 μm photometry from the Spitzer Space Telescope to 3.4, 4.6, and 22 μm photometry from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) obtained ∼6.5 yr apart. Sources that brightened by more than two standard deviations above the mean variability at all three wavelengths were marked as burst candidates, and they were inspected visually to check for false positives due primarily to the reduced angular resolution of WISE compared to Spitzer. We recovered the known burst V2775 Ori (HOPS 223) as well as a previously unknown burst, HOPS 383, which we announced in an earlier paper. No other outbursts were found. With observations over 6.5 yr, we estimate an interval of about 1000 yr between bursts with a 90% confidence interval of 690–40,300 yr. The most likely burst interval is shorter than those found in studies of optically revealed young stellar objects, suggesting that outbursts are more frequent in protostars than in pre-main-sequence stars that lack substantial envelopes.

A Very Compact Extremely High Velocity Flow toward MMS 5/OMC-3 Revealed with ALMA

Both high- and low-velocity outflows are occasionally observed around a protostar by molecular line emission. The high-velocity component is called `Extremely High-Velocity (EHV) flow,' while the low-velocity component is simply referred as `(molecular) outflow.' This study reports a newly found EHV flow and outflow around MMS $5$ in the Orion Molecular Cloud 3 observed with ALMA. In the observation, CO $J$=2--1 emission traces both the EHV flow ($|v_{\rm{LSR}} - v_{\rm{sys}}|$ $\simeq$ 50--100 $\rm{km\ s^{-1}}$) and outflow ($|v_{\rm{LSR}} - v_{\rm{sys}}|$ $\simeq$ 10--50 $\rm{km\ s^{-1}}$). On the other hand, SiO $J$=5--4 emission only traces the EHV flow. The EHV flow is collimated and located at the root of the V-shaped outflow. The CO outflow extends up to $\sim$ 14,000\,AU with a position angle (P.A.) of $\sim79^\circ$ and the CO redshifted EHV flow extends to $\sim$11,000 AU with P.A. $\sim96^\circ$. The EHV flow is smaller than the outflow, and the dynamical timescale of the EHV flow is shorter than that of the outflow by a factor of $\sim 3$. The flow driving mechanism is discussed based on the size, time scale, axis difference between the EHV flow and outflow, and the periodicity of the knots. Our results are consistent with the nested wind scenario, although the jet entrainment scenario could not completely be ruled out.

Molecular tracers of radiative feedback in Orion (OMC-1) Widespread CH+ (J = 1-0), CO (10-9), HCN (6-5), and HCO+ (6-5) emission.

Young massive stars regulate the physical conditions, ionization, and fate of their natal molecular cloud and surroundings. It is important to find tracers that help quantifying the stellar feedback processes that take place at different spatial scales. We present ~85 arcmin2 (~1.3 pc2) velocity-resolved maps of several submillimeter molecular lines, taken with Herschel/HIFI, toward the closest high-mass star-forming region, the Orion molecular cloud 1 core (OMC-1). The observed rotational lines include probes of warm and dense molecular gas that are difficult, if not impossible, to detect from ground-based telescopes: CH+ (J = 1-0), CO (J = 10-9), HCO+ (J = 6-5) and HCN (J = 6-5), and CH (N, J =1, 3/2-1, 1/2). These lines trace an extended but thin layer (A V ≃3-6 mag or ~1016 cm) of molecular gas at high thermal pressure, P th = n H · T k ≈ 107 - 109 cm-3 K, associated with the far ultraviolet (FUV) irradiated surface of OMC-1. The intense FUV radiation field, emerging from massive stars in the Trapezium cluster, heats, compresses and photoevaporates the cloud edge. It also triggers the formation of specific reactive molecules such as CH+. We find that the CH+ (J = 1-0) emission spatially correlates with the flux of FUV photons impinging the cloud: G 0 from ~103 to ~105. This correlation is supported by constant-pressure photodissociation region (PDR) models in the parameter space P th/G 0 ≈ [5 · 103 - 8 · 104] cm-3 K where many observed PDRs seem to lie. The CH+ (J = 1-0) emission spatially correlates with the extended infrared emission from vibrationally excited H2 (v ≥ 1), and with that of [C ii] 158 μm and CO J = 10-9, all emerging from FUV-irradiated gas. These correlations link the presence of CH+ to the availability of C+ ions and of FUV-pumped H2 (v ≥ 1) molecules. We conclude that the parsec-scale CH+ emission and narrow-line (Δv ≃ 3 km s-1) mid-J CO emission arises from extended PDR gas and not from fast shocks. PDR line tracers are the smoking gun of the stellar feedback from young massive stars. The PDR cloud surface component in OMC-1, with a mass density of 120-240 M ⊙ pc-2, represents ~5% to ~10% of the total gas mass, however, it dominates the emitted line luminosity; the average CO J = 10-9 surface luminosity in the mapped region being ~35 times brighter than that of CO J = 2-1. These results provide insights into the source of submillimeter CH+ and mid-J CO emission from distant star-forming galaxies.

The JCMT Transient Survey: An Extraordinary Submillimeter Flare in the T Tauri Binary System JW 566

Abstract The binary T Tauri system JW 566 in the Orion Molecular Cloud underwent an energetic, short-lived flare observed at submillimeter wavelengths by the SCUBA-2 instrument on 2016 November 26 (UT). The emission faded by nearly 50% during the 31 minute integration. The simultaneous source fluxes averaged over the observation are at 450 μm and at 850 μm. The 850 μm flux corresponds to a radio luminosity of , approximately one order of magnitude brighter (in terms of ) than that of a flare of the young star GMR-A, detected in Orion in 2003 at 3mm. The event may be the most luminous known flare associated with a young stellar object and is also the first coronal flare discovered at submillimeter wavelengths. The spectral index between 450 and 850 μm of α = 0.11 is broadly consistent with nonthermal emission. The brightness temperature was in excess of . We interpret this event to be a magnetic reconnection that energized charged particles to emit gyrosynchrotron/synchrotron radiation.

The APOGEE-2 Survey of the Orion Star-forming Complex. II. Six-dimensional Structure

Abstract We present an analysis of spectroscopic and astrometric data from APOGEE-2 and Gaia DR2 to identify structures toward the Orion Complex. By applying a hierarchical clustering algorithm to the six-dimensional stellar data, we identify spatially and/or kinematically distinct groups of young stellar objects with ages ranging from 1 to 12 Myr. We also investigate the star-forming history within the Orion Complex and identify peculiar subclusters. With this method we reconstruct the older populations in the regions that are currently largely devoid of molecular gas, such as Orion C (which includes the σ Ori cluster) and Orion D (the population that traces Ori OB1a, OB1b, and Orion X). We report on the distances, kinematics, and ages of the groups within the Complex. The Orion D group is in the process of expanding. On the other hand, Orion B is still in the process of contraction. In λ Ori the proper motions are consistent with a radial expansion due to an explosion from a supernova; the traceback age from the expansion exceeds the age of the youngest stars formed near the outer edges of the region, and their formation would have been triggered when they were halfway from the cluster center to their current positions. We also present a comparison between the parallax and proper-motion solutions obtained by Gaia DR2 and those obtained toward star-forming regions by the Very Long Baseline Array.