OH Masers Research Articles

A 12.2 GHz Methanol Maser Survey toward the 6.7 GHz Counterparts Associated with/without UC H ii Regions

Abstract We report a new survey of the 12.2 GHz Class II methanol masers toward a sample of 367 sources with the 6.7 GHz methanol masers conducted with the Shanghai 65 m Tianma Radio Telescope. This sample has been previously made with observations of the radio continuum emission of UC H ii regions by the VLA. A total of 176 sources were detected with the 12.2 GHz methanol maser, with a detection rate of 48%, including 8 new detections. A lower detection rate (<10%) was determined toward the sources in the Galactic longitude ranges of 60°–180°, revealing that the physical environments from those sources in the Local arm or the tails of Galactic arms do not easily excite the 12.2 GHz masers. In addition, two detections of highly excited-state OH masers at the 13.4 GHz transition were made, one of which is a new detection. Compared to previous surveys, one-third of the detected 12.2 GHz masers show considerable flux variations, implying the possible changes of their physical environments associated with variable radiation fields from their host high-mass young stellar objects. A positive log–log correlation is found between the luminosities of the 6.7 and 12.2 GHz masers in our observed sample, suggesting that both the transition masers have similar excitation conditions. The statistical analysis for the relationships between the methanol maser luminosity and UC H ii region spatial size indicates that the maser luminosities of both the 6.7 and 12.2 GHz transitions have a decreasing trend with the spatial sizes of the associated UC H ii regions, indicating that the Class II methanol masers might fade away with the H ii region evolution.

Modelling cosmic masers in C-type shock waves – the coexistence of Class I CH3OH and 1720 MHz OH masers

ABSTRACT The collisional pumping of CH3OH and OH masers in non-dissociative C-type shock waves is studied. The chemical processes responsible for the evolution of molecule abundances in the shock wave are considered in detail. The large velocity gradient approximation is used to model radiative transfer in molecular lines. We present calculations of the optical depth in maser transitions of CH3OH and OH for a grid of C-type shock models that vary in cosmic ray ionization rate, gas density, and shock speed. We show that pre-shock gas densities nH, tot = 2 × 104–2 × 105 cm−3 are optimal for the pumping of methanol maser transitions. A complete collisional dissociation of methanol at the shock front takes place for shock speeds us ≳ 25 km s−1. At high pre-shock gas density nH, tot = 2 × 106 cm−3, the collisional dissociation of methanol takes place at shock speeds just above the threshold speed us ≈ 15–17.5 km s−1, corresponding to sputtering of icy mantles of dust grains. We show that the methanol maser transition E 4−1 → 30 at 36.2 GHz has an optical depth |τ| higher than that of the transition A+ 70 → 61 at 44.1 GHz at high cosmic ray ionization rate $\zeta _\mathrm{H_2} \gtrsim 10^{-15}$ s−1 and pre-shock gas density nH, tot = 2 × 104 cm−3. These results can be applied to the interpretation of observational data on methanol masers near supernova remnants and in molecular clouds of the Central Molecular Zone. At the same time, a necessary condition for the operation of 1720 MHz OH masers is a high ionization rate of molecular gas, $\zeta _\mathrm{H_2} \gtrsim 10^{-15}$ s−1. We find that physical conditions conducive to the operation of both hydroxyl and methanol masers are cosmic ray ionization rate $\zeta _\mathrm{H_2} \approx 10^{-15}$–3 × 10−15 s−1 and a narrow range of shock speeds 15 ≲ us ≲ 20 km s−1. The simultaneous observations of OH and CH3OH masers may provide restrictions on the physical parameters of the interstellar medium in the vicinity of supernova remnants.

Discovery of a Wind-blown Bubble Associated with the Supernova Remnant G346.6-0.2: A Hint for the Origin of Recombining Plasma

Abstract We report on CO and H i studies of the mixed-morphology supernova remnant (SNR) G346.6−0.2. We find a wind-blown bubble along the radio continuum shell with an expansion velocity of ∼10 km s−1, which was likely formed by strong stellar winds from the high-mass progenitor of the SNR. The radial velocities of the CO/H i bubbles at V LSR = −82 to −59 km s−1 are also consistent with those of shock-excited 1720 MHz OH masers. The molecular cloud in the northeastern shell shows a high kinetic temperature of ∼60 K, suggesting that shock heating occurred. The H i absorption studies imply that G346.6−0.2 is located on the farside of the Galactic center from us, and the kinematic distance of the SNR is derived to be 11.1 − 0.3 + 0.5 kpc. We find that the CO line intensity has no specific correlation with the electron temperature of recombining plasma, implying that the recombining plasma in G346.6−0.2 was likely produced by adiabatic cooling. With our estimates of the interstellar proton density of 280 cm−3 and gamma-ray luminosity <5.8 × 1034 erg s−1, the total energy of accelerated cosmic rays of W p < 9.3 × 1047 erg is obtained. A comparison of the age–W p relation to other SNRs suggests that most of the accelerated cosmic rays in G346.6−0.2 have escaped from the SNR shell.

A New Catalog of Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars in Our Galaxy

Abstract We present a new catalog of 11,209 O-rich asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and 7172 C-rich AGB stars in our Galaxy, identifying more AGB stars in the bulge component and considering more visual carbon stars. For each object, we cross-identify the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS), AKARI, Midcourse Space Experiment, Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), Two-Micron All-Sky Survey, and American Association of Variable Star Observers counterparts. We present the new catalog in two parts: one is based on the IRAS PSC for brighter or more isolated objects; the other one is based on the ALLWISE source catalog for less bright objects or objects in crowded regions. We present various infrared two-color diagrams (2CDs) for the sample stars. We find that the theoretical dust shell models can roughly explain the observations of AGB stars on the various IR 2CDs. We investigate IR properties of SiO and OH maser emission sources in the catalog. For Mira variables in the sample stars, we find that the IR colors get redder for longer pulsation periods. We also study infrared variability of the sample stars using the WISE photometric data in the last 12 yr: the ALLWISE multiepoch data and the Near-Earth Object WISE Reactivation 2021 data release. We generate light curves using the WISE data at W1 and W2 bands and compute the Lomb–Scargle periodograms for all of the sample stars. From the WISE light curves, we have found useful variation parameters for 3710 objects in the catalog, for which periods were either known or unknown in previous works.

Maser emission from the CO envelope of the asymptotic giant branch star W Hydrae

Context. Observation of CO emission around asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars is the primary method to determine gas mass-loss rates. While radiative transfer models have shown that molecular levels of CO can become mildly inverted, causing maser emission, CO maser emission has yet to be confirmed observationally. Aims. High-resolution observations of the CO emission around AGB stars now have the brightness temperature sensitivity to detect possible weak CO maser emission. Methods. We used high angular resolution observations taken with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to observe the small-scale structure of CO J = 3−2 emission around the oxygen-rich AGB star W Hya. Results. We find CO maser emission amplifying the stellar continuum with an optical depth τ ≈−0.55. The maser predominantly amplifies the limb of the star because CO J = 3−2 absorption from the extended stellar atmosphere is strongest towards the centre of the star. Conclusions. The CO maser velocity corresponds to a previously observed variable component of high-frequency H2O masers and with the OH maser that was identified as the amplified stellar image. This implies that the maser originates beyond the acceleration region and constrains the velocity profile since we find the population inversion primarily in the inner circumstellar envelope. We find that inversion can be explained by the radiation field at 4.6 μm and that the existence of CO maser emission is consistent with the estimated mass-loss rates for W Hya. However, the pumping mechanism requires a complex interplay between absorption and emission lines in the extended atmosphere. Excess from dust in the circumstellar envelope of W Hya is not sufficient to contribute significantly to the required radiation field at 4.6 μm. The interplay between molecular lines that cause the pumping can be constrained by future multi-level CO observations.

Search for Collisionally Pumped 1720 MHz OH Masers in Star-forming Regions: A VLA Survey of 18 cm OH Masers toward 80 Class I Methanol Masers

Abstract Class I methanol masers (cIMMs) and 1720 MHz OH masers are believed to arise from a common collisional pumping mechanism, and both trace shocked gas regions in supernova remnants (SNRs). However, their coexistence in star formation regions (SFRs) and their association with a front of bipolar outflow (a source of shock-stimulated collisional pumping) remain unclear. To search for collisionally pumped OH(1720) masers, we conducted a Very Large Array survey of the 18 cm OH masers and continuum emission toward a sample of 80 SFRs associated with 44 GHz cIMMs. Main-line OH maser emission was detected in 50% of the sample, and OH(1720) maser emission was detected in 20%. Continuum emission was detected in 28% of sources. A catalog of the detected OH masers is presented. Individual OH masers are found in close proximity, and the regions of masers of different transitions are often overlapping. A typical linear projected offset between the OH(1720) and OH(1665) masers is ∼0.04 pc. A remarkable number of ∼81% of the OH(1720) masers are associated with the continuum emission. The median separation between the targeted 44 GHz cIMMs and OH(1720) masers is ∼0.2 pc, which is similar to reported distances between cIMMs and H ii regions. The observed properties of the detected OH(1720) masers are different from those in SNRs and indicate that a nonlocal line overlap mechanism is responsible for their excitation. Thus, while both 44 GHz cIMMs and OH(1720) masers trace shocked gas in SNRs, physical conditions favorable for excitation of cIMMs, but not OH(1720) masers, are present in SFRs.

New ex-OH maser detections in the northern celestial hemisphere

Aims.Molecular masers, including methanol and hydroxyl masers, and in particular the ones in excited rotational states (ex-OH masers), are one of the most informative tools for studying star-forming regions. So, the discovery, of new maser sources in these regions is of great importance. Many studies and surveys of ex-OH maser sources have been carried out in the southern celestial hemisphere, but only a few have been done in the northern hemisphere. The specific aim of this work is to close this gap.Methods.The star-forming regions in the northern hemisphere with known active methanol masers were observed to search for new ex-OH maser sources with the 32 m and 16 m radio telescopes of the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC).Results.Three OH maser lines in the excited state at the 6035 MHz in three northern hemisphere star-forming regions are detected. The maser 189.030+0.783 was previously known, but we suggest this maser is a possible variable. We confirm recent detections of the ex-OH masers 85.41+0.00 and 90.92+1.49 by other authors. The magnetic field strength in the masering regions is estimated by using right circular polarization and left circular polarization pair splitting. The high-velocity resolution provides us with an estimation of a comparatively small magnetic field strength for the 189.030+0.783 and 90.92+1.49 star-forming regions.

An infrared study of Galactic OH/IR stars – III. Variability properties of the Arecibo sample

ABSTRACT We present the results of a near-infrared (NIR) monitoring programme carried out between 1999 and 2005 to determine the variability properties of the ‘Arecibo sample of OH/IR stars’. The sample consists of 385 IRAS-selected Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) candidates, for which their O-rich chemistry has been proven by the detection of 1612 MHz OH maser emission. The monitoring data were complemented by data collected from public optical and NIR surveys. We fitted the light curves obtained in the optical and NIR bands with a model using an asymmetric cosine function, and derived a period for 345 sources (∼90 per cent of the sample). Based on their variability properties, most of the Arecibo sources are classified as long-period large-amplitude variable (LPLAV) stars, 4 per cent as (candidate) post-AGB stars, and 3 per cent remain unclassified although they are likely post-AGB stars or highly obscured AGB stars. The period distribution of the LPLAVs peaks at ∼400 d, with periods between 300 and 800 d for most of the sources, and has a long tail up to ∼2100 d. Typically, the amplitudes are between 1 and 3 mag in the NIR and between 2 and 6 mag in the optical. We find correlations between periods and amplitudes, with larger amplitudes associated with longer periods, as well as between the period and the infrared colours, with the longer periods linked to the redder sources. Among the post-AGB stars, the light curve of IRAS 19566+3423 was exceptional, showing a large systematic increase (>0.4 mag yr−1) in K-band brightness over 7 yr.

Apertif view of the OH megamaser IRAS 10597+5926: OH 18 cm satellite lines in wide-area H I surveys

We present the serendipitous detection of the two main OH maser lines at 1667 and 1665 MHz associated with IRAS 10597+5926 atz⊙ = 0.19612 in the untargeted Apertif Wide-area Extragalactic imaging Survey (AWES), and the subsequent measurement of the OH 1612 MHz satellite line in the same source. With a total OH luminosity of log(L/L⊙) = 3.90 ± 0.03, IRAS 10597+5926 is the fourth brightest OH megamaser (OHM) known. We measure a lower limit for the 1667/1612 ratio ofR1612 > 45.9, which is the highest limiting ratio measured for the 1612 MHz OH satellite line to date. OH satellite line measurements provide a potentially valuable constraint by which to compare detailed models of OH maser pumping mechanisms. Optical imaging shows that the galaxy is likely a late-stage merger. Based on published infrared and far ultraviolet fluxes, we find that the galaxy is an ultra-luminous infrared galaxy (ULIRG) with log(LTIR/L⊙) = 12.24 that is undergoing a starburst with an estimated star formation rate of 179 ± 40M⊙yr−1. These host galaxy properties are consistent with the physical conditions responsible for very bright OHM emission. Finally, we provide an update on the predicted number of OH masers that may be found in AWES and estimate the total number of OH masers that will be detected in each of the individual main and satellite OH 18 cm lines.

The nature of VX Sagitarii

Aims. We present a spectroscopic analysis of the extremely luminous red star VX Sgr based on high-resolution observations combined with AAVSO light curve data. Given the puzzling characteristics of VX Sgr, we explore three scenarios for its nature: a massive red supergiant (RSG) or red hypergiant (RHG), a Thorne Żytkow object, and an extreme asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star. Methods. Sampling more than one whole cycle of photometric variability, we derive stellar atmospheric parameters by using state-of-the-art PHOENIX atmospheric models. We compare them to optical and near-infrared spectral types. We report on some key features due to neutral elemental atomic species such as Li I, Ca I, and Rb I. Results. We provide new insights into its luminosity, its evolutionary stage, and its pulsation period. Based on all the data, there are two strong reasons to believe that VX Sgr is some sort of extreme AGB star. Firstly, it has Mira-like behaviour during active phases. VX Sgr shows light variation with amplitude that is much larger than any known RSG and clearly larger than all RHGs. In addition, it displays Balmer line emission and, as shown here for the first time, line doubling of its metallic spectrum at maximum light, both characteristics typical of Miras. Secondly, unlike any known RSG or RHG, VX Sgr displays strong Rb I lines. In addition to the photospheric lines that are sometimes seen, it always shows circumstellar components whose expansion velocity is compatible with that of the OH masers in the envelope, demonstrating a continuous enrichment of the outer atmosphere with s-process elements, a behaviour that can only be explained by a third dredge-up during the thermal pulse phase.

Modelled 3D distribution of OH/IR stars in the Galactic disc

ABSTRACT We have modelled the 3D distribution of OH/IR stars in the Galactic plane, traced by 1612 MHz OH maser sources with classic double horned spectral profiles. We statistically analysed over 700 maser sources detected by the HI/OH/Recombination line survey of the Milky Way (THOR) and the Australia Telescope Compact Array interferometric follow-up observations of the Southern Parkes Large-Area Survey in Hydroxyl (SPLASH). With a simple model constructed from a classical density distribution of stars and luminosity functions of OH maser sources in the Galaxy, we estimate the scale height, or the half thickness of the OH/IR star distribution along the Galactic disc to be 90–290 pc. The simple model also implies that there are ∼4000 OH/IR stars hosting 1612 MHz OH masers along the Galactic Plane. Therefore, next generation telescopes such as the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) and SKA Phase 1 will detect about 80 per cent of such OH/IR stars in the Galaxy at a 10 mJy detection limit. Comparing the data of previously detected circumstellar 1612 MHz OH maser sources with those of THOR and SPLASH, the maser source lifetime is estimated to be ∼300 yr. This is likely a lower limit, since non-detections of masers in some cases could be affected by the flux variation of the maser source.

Evolution of OH Maser Emission in the Active Star-Forming Region W75N. I. Research in the 1665 MHz Line

The monitoring results of the OH maser source in W75 N in the main line at 1665 MHz performed in 2007–2020 using the Nancay Radio Telescope (France) are presented. Generally, the maser in 2007–2009 is characterized by a high activity. During the monitoring, time variations of the Stokes parameters were found for all spectral features in the radial velocity range from –1 to 14 km/s. We found that its positional angle $$\chi $$ and the degree of linear polarization $${{m}_{{\text{L}}}}$$ , as well as the degree of circular polarization $${{m}_{{\text{C}}}}$$ of most features, change with time according to certain regularities, not chaotically. Or they can change very weakly and there is a correlation with the variability of the flux density. In this case, the radial velocities of the features change very little. It is shown that the main feature at 12 km/s during 50 years since the discovery of the OH maser in W75 N had two maxima of activity with an interval of about 30 years between them. The identification of spectral features in the 1665 MHz line with maser spots on VLBA maps has been carried out. We showed that a strong flare of the main features in 2007–2009 occurred in the VLA 2 source. During this flare, small changes in the angle $$\chi $$ and significant changes in the degree of both linear and circular polarization of features at 1.75, 2.1, and 3.05 km/s were observed. For the 0.65 km/s feature, significant changes in all emission parameters were observed. The emission in the 1612 MHz satellite line is broadband. The broadening of the line to 1.9 km/s indicates that, in addition to thermal motion of matter, there is also turbulent motion of matter in the medium.

Revisiting the Distance, Environment, and Supernova Properties of SNR G57.2+0.8 that Hosts SGR 1935+2154

Abstract We have performed a multiwavelength study of supernova remnant (SNR) G57.2+0.8 and its environment. The SNR hosts the magnetar SGR 1935+2154, which emitted an extremely bright millisecond-duration radio burst on 2020 April 28. We used the 12CO and 13CO J = 1–0 data from the Milky Way Image Scroll Painting CO line survey to search for molecular gas associated with G57.2+0.8, in order to constrain the physical parameters (e.g., the distance) of the SNR and its magnetar. We report that SNR G57.2+0.8 is likely impacting the molecular clouds (MCs) at the local standard of rest (LSR) velocity and excites a weak 1720 MHz OH maser with a peak flux density of 47 mJy beam−1. The chance coincidence of a random OH spot falling in the SNR is ≤12%, and the OH–CO correspondence chance is 7% at the maser spot. This combines to give <1% false probability of the OH maser, suggesting a real maser detection. The LSR velocity of the MCs places the SNR and magnetar at a kinematic distance of 6.6 ± 0.7 kpc. The nondetection of thermal X-ray emission from the SNR and the relatively dense environment suggests G57.2+0.8 be an evolved SNR with an age . The explosion energy of G57.2+0.8 is lower than , which is not very energetic even assuming a high ambient density . This reinforces the opinion that magnetars do not necessarily result from very energetic supernova explosions.

Detailing evolved star wind complexity: comparing maser and thermal imaging

AbstractMaser properties can be measured with milli-arcsec precision over multiple epochs using ALMA, cm- and mm-wave VLBI and e-MERLIN. This allows: (i) Tracing SiO maser proper motions in the pulsation-dominated zone; (ii) Quantifying clumpiness, variability and asymmetry of the wind traced by masers; (iii) Contrasting behaviour from OH masers even at similar distances from the star; (iv) Measuring magnetic fields. Mass lost from the star, traced by SiO masers, is likely to take decades to reach ∼5 stellar radii. At 5–50 stellar radii, once dust is well formed, 22-GHz H2O masers show the wind accelerating through the escape velocity; its overall direction is away from the star but the velocity field is complex. In a few cases (so far), highly-directed, localised ejecta are seen. Magnetic fields appear to be stellar-centred and strong enough to influence wind kinematics. Recent ALMA and other observations have shown that otherwise inconspicuous companions shape a majority of evolved star winds, whilst advanced models demonstrate how, for some situations, this is compatible with masers showing negligible rotation proper motions. The long-term monitoring achievable at radio frequencies complements the multi-transition maser studies and analysis of thermal lines and dust at shorter wavelengths.

Evolution of the OH and H2O Maser Emission in the Active Star-Forming Region IRAS 05358+3543 (S231)

We present the results of our observations of the star-forming region located in the Perseus arm and associated with the Sharpless nebula S231 in the lines of H2O at a wavelength of 1.35 cm and OH at a wavelength of 18 cm obtained with the Pushchino 22-m radio telescope (Russia) and the Nancay Large Radio Telescope (France), respectively. We provide a catalog of H2O maser spectra in the period from March 2003 to March 2020. The variability of the integrated flux that we have calculated based on the monitoring by Felli et al. (1987–2007) and our monitoring (2003–2020) has a quasi-cyclic pattern with a cycle duration from 4.3 to 7.7 yr. Flares of maser emission of both single and several features occurred in each activity cycle. The mean rise and decay times of the flare emission were $$0.30 \pm 0.02$$ and $$0.35 \pm 0.02$$ yr, respectively. The observed radial velocity drift and jumps of the H2O emission features can be a consequence of the impact of shocks emerging as the protostar activity rises on them. The complex pattern of variability shows that the H2O masing medium is fragmented and small-scale turbulent motions of matter can occur in it. We have observed the OH maser emission in the 1665 and 1667 MHz main lines and the 1720 MHz satellite line. A large number of OH emission features and their variability have been detected. We have found one Zeeman pair at ‒9.2 km/s with a small splitting, with the longitudinal magnetic field in the period 2008–2020 having decreased monotonically from 0.24 to 0.10 mG. For the three most intense features we have calculated the degrees of linear polarization and position angles. A correlation between the H2O and OH maser activities has been found.

A search for the OH 6035 MHz line in high-mass star-forming regions

Context. The excited states of OH masers detected in the environment of high-mass young stellar objects (HMYSOs) are important for improving our understanding of the physical conditions of these objects and also provide information about their magnetic fields. Aims. We aim to search for excited-state OH 6035 MHz maser emission in HMYSOs which might have escaped detection in previous surveys or were never searched for. Methods. A sample of HMYSOs derived from untargeted surveys of the 6668 MHz methanol maser line was observed at 6035 MHz OH transition with the Torun 32 m radio telescope. The 6035 MHz detections were observed in the OH 6031 MHz line. Two-thirds of the detections were observed at least three times over a two-year period. Results. Out of 445 targets, 37 were detected at 6035 MHz, including seven new discoveries. The 6031 MHz line was detected towards ten 6035 MHz sources, one of which was not previously reported. All the newly detected sources are faint with the peak flux density lower than 4 Jy and show significant or high variability on timescales of 4 to 20 months. Zeeman pair candidates identified in three new sources imply a magnetic field intensity of 2–11 mG. Comparison of our spectra with those obtained ~10 yr ago indicates different degrees of variability but there is a general increase in the variability index on an ~25 yr timescale, usually accompanied by significant changes in the profile shape.

Probing GLIMPSE Extended Green Objects (EGOs) with hydroxyl masers

ABSTRACT We present a study of 18 cm OH maser emission toward 20 high-mass young stellar object outflow candidates (Extended Green Objects, EGOs) identified from the Spitzer Galactic Legacy Infrared Mid-Plane Survey Extraordinaire (GLIMPSE). All four OH ground state lines at 1612, 1665, 1667, and 1720 MHz, together with 20-cm continuum emission, were observed with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array C-configuration. Follow-up polarimetric single-dish observations with the Nançay radio telescope were performed for the same OH transitions, except 1612 MHz. OH maser emission is found to be an uncommon feature of the sample, with a 50 per cent detection rate for the entire sample and a ∼44 per cent detection rate for the ‘likely’ EGOs. No 20-cm continuum emission is detected toward any of the sources. In most cases, the detected OH maser emission arises in vicinity to compact central sources; OH masers coexist with the 6.7 GHz methanol masers, but are found in more diffuse and extended halo-shaped regions of several thousand astronomical units in size. Comparing EGO samples with OH maser detection and non-detection, EGOs showing OH maser emission tend to have lower dust clump masses, but higher 24 and 4.5 μm flux densities. Thus, OH maser emission might be an indicator of more evolved EGOs, since strong compact mid-infrared emission in the absence of compact radio continuum emission is thought to be associated with the later stage of massive star formation.

OH maser towards IRAS 06056+2131: polarization parameters and evolution status

ABSTRACT We present high-angular resolution observations of OH maser emission towards the high-mass star-forming region IRAS 06056+2131. The observations were carried out using the UK radio interferometer array, Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network (MERLIN) in the OH main lines at 1665 and 1667 MHz, in addition to the OH satellite line at 1720 MHz. The results of this study reveal the small upper limit to the size of emission in the 1665-MHz line with an estimated total intensity of ∼4 Jy. We did not detect any emission from the 1667 and 1720-MHz lines. The full polarization mode of MERLIN enables us to investigate the magnetic field in the OH maser region. In this transition, a Zeeman pair is identified from which a magnetic strength of ∼−1.5 mG is inferred. Our results show that IRAS 06056+2131 is highly polarized, with ∼ 96 ${{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ circular polarization and ∼6 ${{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ linear polarization. The linear polarization angle is ∼29°, implying a magnetic field which could be aligned with the outflow direction detected towards this region, but the actual magnetic field direction has an uncertainty of up to 110° due to the possible effects of Faraday rotation. The star-forming evolutionary status of the embedded protostellar object is discussed.

Observations of astronomical objects using radio (Irbene RT-32 telescope) and optical (Baldone Schmidt) methods

Institute of Astronomy (University of Latvia) with Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (Ventspils University of Applied Sciences) participation is implementing the scientific project "Complex investigations of the small bodies in the Solar system" which is related to the research of the small bodies in the Solar system (mainly focusing on asteroids and comets) using methods of radio and optical astronomy and signal processing.To detect the rotation period and other physical characteristics of NEO objects using optical methods, 566 positions and photo-metric observations of NEO objects 2006 VB14 = Y5705 = 345705 (hereafter 2006 VB14) and 1986 DA = 6178 (hereafter 1986 DA) were obtained with Baldone Schmidt telescope in 2018. A Fourier transform was applied to determine the rotation period for asteroid 1986 DA. Value 3.12 0.02 h was obtained. Observations confirm the previously obtained rotation period P = 3.25 h for 2006 VB14. To detect weak (~0.1 Jy) OH maser of astronomical objects using radio methods, a researcher group in VIRAC adapted Irbene RT-32 radio telescope working at 1665.402 and 1667.359 MHz frequencies. Novel data processing methods were used to acquire weak signals. Spectral analysis using Fourier transform and continuous wavelet transform were applied to radio astronomical data from multiple observations related to weak OH maser detection. Successful observations of multiple galactic masers were carried out in 2019 and adapted Irbene RT32 radio telescope is ready for the observations of comets in the near future.

Evolution of OH and H2O Maser Emission in the Active Star Formation Region NGC 2071

We present the observation results of the star forming region NGC 2071 in the 1.35-cm H2O line and 18-cm OH lines obtained with the 22-m radio telescope in Pushchino (Russia) and the large radio telescope in Nancay (France), respectively. The catalog of H2O maser emission spectra from December 2010 to January 2020 is given. The total flux variability for the entire monitoring period (1979–2020) has two activity cycles of close duration (approximately 20 years), which were accompanied by strong flares at intervals of one to four years. It is shown that the medium for the generation of H2O maser emission is greatly fragmented and contains small-scale turbulent motions of matter. The observed drift and radial velocity jumps of the H2O emission features can be a consequence of the complex, inhomogeneous structure of the maser emission regions. OH emission in the 1665 and 1667 MHz main lines and in the 1612 MHz satellite line in the radial velocity range of 7–12 km/s is broadband. The ratio of intensities differs from equilibrium. The substantiation of the observed ratio between the intensities of this emission and absorption in the 1720 MHz line is given. OH maser emission was observed in 2007 in the left circular polarization in the 1667 MHz line at 13.02 and 13.55 km/s with a flux density of ~0.3 Jy and a width of ~0.25 km/s for each of the velocities.