Massive Young Stellar Objects Research Articles

Massive young stellar objects in the Local Group irregular galaxy NGC 6822 identified using machine learning

ABSTRACT We present a supervised machine learning methodology to classify stellar populations in the Local Group dwarf-irregular galaxy NGC 6822. Near-IR colours (J − H, H − K, and J − K), K-band magnitudes and far-IR surface brightness (at 70 and 160 $\mu$m) measured from Spitzer and Herschel images are the features used to train a Probabilistic Random Forest (PRF) classifier. Point-sources are classified into eight target classes: young stellar objects (YSOs), oxygen- and carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch stars, red giant branch and red supergiant stars, active galactic nuclei, massive main-sequence stars, and Galactic foreground stars. The PRF identifies sources with an accuracy of ∼ 90 per cent across all target classes rising to ∼96 per cent for YSOs. We confirm the nature of 125 out of 277 literature YSO candidates with sufficient feature information, and identify 199 new YSOs and candidates. Whilst these are mostly located in known star-forming regions, we have also identified new star formation sites. These YSOs have mass estimates between ∼15 and 50 M⊙, representing the most massive YSO population in NGC 6822. Another 82 out of 277 literature candidates are definitively classified as non-YSOs by the PRF analysis. We characterize the star formation environment by comparing the spatial distribution of YSOs to those of gas and dust using archival images. We also explore the potential of using (unsupervised) t-distributed stochastic neighbour embedding maps for the identification of the same stellar population classified by the PRF.

Observations of outflows of massive stars

AbstractMass loss plays a key role in the evolution of massive stars and their environment. High mass-loss events are traced by complex circumstellar ejecta and intricate line profiles across the upper Hertzsprung-Russell diagram for massive stars in different evolutionary stages. The basic physics of radiation-driven stellar wind for hot stars is well understood. However, the driving mechanisms and related instabilities for their enhanced mass-loss episodes and the driving mechanisms for the mass loss of cool stars are still debated. In this review, the mass-loss characteristics and the possible mechanisms will be surveyed for an observational set of prominent massive stellar populations that experience outflows, strong stellar winds, and periods of enhanced and eruptive mass loss; massive young stellar objects, OB-type stars, red supergiants, warm hypergiants, luminous blue variables, and Wolf-Rayet stars.

ALMA discovery of a dual dense probably rotating outflow from a massive young stellar object G18.88MME

ABSTRACT We report the discovery of a very dense jet-like fast molecular outflow surrounded by a wide-angle wind in a massive young stellar object (MYSO) G18.88MME (stellar mass ∼8 M⊙) powering an extended green object G18.89−0.47. Four cores MM1–4 are identified in the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) 1.3 mm continuum map (resolution ${\sim} 0.8\, \mathrm { arcsec}$) towards G18.88MME, and are seen at the centre of the emission structure (extent ∼0.3 pc × 0.2 pc) detected in the ALMA map. G18.88MME is embedded in the core MM1 (mass ∼13–18 M⊙), where no radio continuum emission is detected. The molecular outflow centred at MM1 is investigated in the SiO(5–4), HC3N(24–23) and 13CO(2–1) lines. The detection of HC3N in the outflow is rare in MYSOs and indicates its very high density. The position–velocity diagrams display a fast narrow outflow (extent ∼28 000 AU) and a slower wide-angle more extended outflow towards MM1, and both of these components show a transverse velocity gradient indicative of a possible rotation. All these observed features together make G18.88MME as a unique object for studying the unification of the jet-driven and wind-driven scenarios of molecular outflows in MYSOs.

Unveiling the traits of massive young stellar objects through a multi-scale survey

Context. The rarity and deeply embedded nature of young massive stars has limited the understanding of the formation of stars with masses larger than 8 M⊙. Previous work has shown that complementing spectral energy distributions with interferometric and imaging data can probe the circumstellar environments of massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) well. However, complex studies of single objects often use different approaches in their analysis. Therefore the results of these studies cannot be directly compared. Aims. This work aims to obtain the physical characteristics of a sample of MYSOs at ~0.01″ scales, at ~0.1″ scales, and as a whole, which enables us to compare the characteristics of the sources. Methods. We apply the same multi-scale method and analysis to a sample of MYSOs. High-resolution interferometric data (MIDI/VLTI), near-diffraction-limited imaging data (VISIR/VLT, COMICS/Subaru), and a multi-wavelength spectral energy distribution are combined. By fitting simulated observables derived from 2.5D radiative transfer models of disk-outflow-envelope systems to our observations, the properties of the MYSOs are constrained. Results. We find that the observables of all the MYSOs can be reproduced by models with disk-outflow-envelope geometries, analogous to the Class I geometry associated with low-mass protostars. The characteristics of the envelopes and the cavities within them are very similar across our sample. On the other hand, the disks seem to differ between the objects, in particular with regards to what we interpret as evidence of complex structures and inner holes. Conclusions. The MYSOs of this sample have similar large-scale geometries, but variance is observed among their disk properties. This is comparable to the morphologies observed for low-mass young stellar objects. A strong correlation is found between the luminosity of the central MYSO and the size of the transition disk-like inner hole for the MYSOs, implying that photoevaporation or the presence of binary companions may be the cause.

The Planck Submillimeter Properties of Galactic High-mass Star-forming Regions: Dust Temperatures, Luminosities, Masses, and Star Formation Efficiency

Abstract Massive star formation occurs in the interior of giant molecular clouds and proceeds through many stages. In this work, we focus on massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) and ultracompact H ii regions (UCH ii), where the former are enshrouded in dense envelopes of dust and gas, the latter of which has begun dispersing. By selecting a complete sample of MYSOs and UCH ii from the Red MSX Source (RMS) survey database, we combine Planck and IRAS data and build their spectral energy distributions. With these, we estimate the physical properties (dust temperatures, mass, luminosity) of the sample. Because the RMS database provides unique solar distances, it also allows the instantaneous star formation efficiency (SFE) to be investigated as a function of Galactocentric radius. We find that the SFE increases between 2 and 4.5 kpc, where it reaches a peak, likely in correspondence with the accumulation of molecular material at the end of the Galactic bar. It then stays approximately constant up to 9 kpc, after which it linearly declines, in agreement with predictions from extragalactic studies. This behavior suggests the presence of a significant amount of undetected molecular gas at R G > 8 kpc. Finally, we present diagnostic colors that can be used to identify sites of massive star formation.

Particle acceleration and magnetic field amplification in massive young stellar object jets

ABSTRACT Synchrotron radio emission from non-relativistic jets powered by massive protostars has been reported, indicating the presence of relativistic electrons and magnetic fields of strength ∼0.3–5 mG. We study diffusive shock acceleration and magnetic field amplification in protostellar jets with speeds between 300 and 1500 km s−1. We show that the magnetic field in the synchrotron emitter can be amplified by the non-resonant hybrid (Bell) instability excited by the cosmic ray streaming. By combining the synchrotron data with basic theory of Bell instability we estimate the magnetic field in the synchrotron emitter and the maximum energy of protons. Protons can achieve maximum energies in the range 0.04–0.65 TeV and emit γ rays in their interaction with matter fields. We predict detectable levels of γ rays in IRAS 16547−5247 and IRAS 16848−4603. The γ ray flux can be significantly enhanced by the gas mixing due to Rayleigh–Taylor instability. The detection of this radiation by the Fermi satellite in the GeV domain and the forthcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array at higher energies may open a new window to study the formation of massive stars, as well as diffusive acceleration and magnetic field amplification in shocks with velocities of about 1000 km s−1.

A Galactic survey of radio jets from massive protostars

ABSTRACT In conjunction with a previous southern-hemisphere work, we present the largest radio survey of jets from massive protostars to date with high-resolution (∼0.04 arcsec) Jansky Very Large Array observations towards two subsamples of massive star-forming regions of different evolutionary statuses: 48 infrared-bright, massive, young, stellar objects (MYSOs) and 8 infrared dark clouds (IRDCs) containing 16 luminous ($\hbox{$\, L_{\rm {bol}}$}\gt 10^3\hbox{${\rm \, L_{\odot }}$}$) cores. For 94 per cent of the MYSO sample, we detect thermal radio (α ≥ −0.1 whereby Sν ∝ να) sources coincident with the protostar, of which 84 per cent (13 jets and 25 candidates) are jet like. Radio luminosity is found to scale with $\hbox{$\, L_{\rm {bol}}$}$ similarly to the low-mass case supporting a common mechanism for jet production across all masses. Associated radio lobes tracing shocks are seen towards 52 per cent of jet-like objects and are preferentially detected towards jets of higher radio and bolometric luminosities, resulting from our sensitivity limitations. We find jet mass-loss rate scales with bolometric luminosity as $\hbox{$\dot{m}_{\rm jet}$}\propto \hbox{$\, L_{\rm {bol}}$}^{0.9\pm 0.2}$, thereby discarding radiative, line-driving mechanisms as the dominant jet-launching process. Calculated momenta show that the majority of jets are mechanically capable of driving the massive, molecular outflow phenomena since pjet > poutflow. Finally, from their physical extent we show that the radio emission cannot originate from small, optically thick H ii regions. Towards the IRDC cores, we observe increasing incidence rates/radio fluxes with age using the proxy of increasing luminosity-to-mass (L/M) and decreasing infrared flux ratios $({S_{70{\rm \, \mu m}}}/{S_{24{\rm \, \mu m}}})$. Cores with $({L}/{M})\,\lt \,40\, \hbox{${\rm \, L_{\odot }}$}\hbox{${\rm \, M_{\odot }}$}^{-1}$ are not detected above ($5.8{\rm \, GHz}$) radio luminosities of ${\sim}1{\rm \, mJy}{\rm \, kpc}^2$.

Infrared observations of the flaring maser source G358.93−0.03

Context. Class II methanol masers are signposts of massive young stellar objects (MYSOs). Recent evidence shows that flares of these masers are driven by MYSO accretion bursts. Thus, maser monitoring can be used to identify such bursts which are hard to discover otherwise. Infrared observations reveal burst-induced changes in the spectral energy distribution (first and foremost a luminosity increase), which provide valuable information on a very intense phase of high-mass star formation. Aims. In mid-January 2019, flaring of the 6.7 GHz CH3OH maser (hereafter maser) of the MYSO G358.93-0.03 (hereafter G358) was reported. The international maser community initiated an extensive observational campaign which revealed extraordinary maser activity and yielded the detection of numerous new masering transitions. Interferometric imaging with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array and the Submillimeter Array resolved the maser emitting core of the star forming region and proved the association of the masers with the brightest continuum source (MM1), which hosts a hot molecular core. These observations, however, failed to detect a significant rise in the (sub)millimeter dust continuum emission. Therefore, we performed near-infrared (NIR) and far-infrared (FIR) observations to prove or disprove whether the CH3OH flare was driven by an accretion burst. Methods. NIR imaging with the Gamma-Ray Burst Optical/Near-infrared Detector has been acquired and integral-field spectroscopy with the Field-Imaging Far-Infrared Line Spectrometer (FIFI-LS) aboard the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) was carried out on two occasions to detect possible counterparts to the (sub)millimeter sources and compare their photometry to archival measurements. The comparison of pre-burst and burst spectral energy distributions is of crucial importance to judge whether a substantial luminosity increase, caused by an accretion burst, is present and if it triggered the maser flare. Radiative transfer modeling of the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the dust continuum emission at multiple epochs provides valuable information on the bursting MYSO. Results. The FIR fluxes of MM1 measured with FIFI-LS exceed those from Herschel significantly, which clearly confirms the presence of an accretion burst. The second epoch data, taken about 16 months later, still show increased fluxes. Our radiative transfer modeling yielded major burst parameters and suggests that the MYSO features a circumstellar disk which might be transient. From the pre-burst, burst, and post-burst SEDs, conclusions on heating and cooling time-scales could be drawn. Circumstances of the burst-induced maser relocation have been explored. Conclusions. The verification of the accretion burst from G358 is another confirmation that Class II methanol maser flares represent an alert for such events. Thus, monitoring of these masers greatly enhances the chances of identifying MYSOs during periods of intense growth. The few events known to date already indicate that there is a broad range in burst strength and duration as well as environmental characteristics. The G358 event is the shortest and least luminous accretion burst known to date. According to models, bursts of this kind occur most often.

Carbon Chain Chemistry in Hot-core Regions around Three Massive Young Stellar Objects Associated with 6.7 GHz Methanol Masers

Abstract We have carried out observations of CCH (N = 1 − 0), CH3CN (J = 5 − 4), and three 13C isotopologues of HC3N (J = 10 − 9) toward three massive young stellar objects (MYSOs), G12.89+0.49, G16.86−2.16, and G28.28−0.36, with the Nobeyama 45 m radio telescope. Combined with previous results on HC5N, the column density ratios of N(CCH)/N(HC5N), hereafter the CCH/HC5N ratios, in the MYSOs are derived to be ∼15. This value is lower than that in a low-mass warm carbon chain chemistry (WCCC) source by more than one order of magnitude. We compare the observed CCH/HC5N ratios with hot-core model calculations. The observed ratios in the MYSOs can be best reproduced by models when the gas temperature is ∼85 K, which is higher than in L1527, a low-mass WCCC source (∼35 K). These results suggest that carbon-chain molecules detected around the MYSOs exist at least partially in higher temperature regions than those in low-mass WCCC sources. There is no significant difference in column density among the three 13C isotopologues of HC3N in G12.89+0.49 and G16.86-2.16, while HCC13CN is more abundant than the others in G28.28–0.36. We discuss carbon-chain chemistry around the three MYSOs based on the CCH/HC5N ratio and the 13C isotopic fractionation of HC3N.

Search for radio jets from massive young stellar objects

Context.Recent theoretical and observational studies debate the similarities of the formation process of high- (>8M⊙) and low-mass stars. The formation of low-mass stars is directly associated with the presence of disks and jets. Theoretical models predict that stars with masses up to 140M⊙can be formed through disk-mediated accretion in disk-jet systems. According to this scenario, radio jets are expected to be common in high-mass star-forming regions.Aims.We aim to increase the number of known radio jets in high-mass star-forming regions by searching for radio-jet candidates at radio continuum wavelengths.Methods.We used theKarl G. JanskyVery Large Array (VLA) to observe 18 high-mass star-forming regions in theCband (6 cm, ≈1′′.0 resolution) andKband (1.3 cm, ≈0′′.3 resolution). We searched for radio-jet candidates by studying the association of radio continuum sources with shock activity signs (e.g., molecular outflows, extended green objects, and maser emission). Our VLA observations also targeted the 22 GHz H2O and 6.7 GHz CH3OH maser lines.Results.We have identified 146 radio continuum sources, 40 of which are located within the field of view of both images (CandKband maps). We derived the spectral index, which is consistent with thermal emission (between − 0.1 and + 2.0) for 73% of these sources. Based on the association with shock-activity signs, we identified 28 radio-jet candidates. Out of these, we identified 7 as the most probable radio jets. The radio luminosity of the radio-jet candidates is correlated with the bolometric luminosity and the outflow momentum rate. About 7–36% of the radio-jet candidates are associated with nonthermal emission. The radio-jet candidates associated with 6.7 GHz CH3OH maser emission are preferentially thermal winds and jets, while a considerable fraction of radio-jet candidates associated with H2O masers show nonthermal emission that is likely due to strong shocks.Conclusions.About 60% of the radio continuum sources detected within the field of view of our VLA images are potential radio jets. The remaining sources could be compact H IIregions in their early stages of development, or radio jets for which we currently lack further evidence of shock activity. Our sample of 18 regions is divided into 8 less evolved infrared-dark regions and 10 more evolved infrared-bright regions. We found that ≈71% of the identified radio-jet candidates are located in the more evolved regions. Similarly, 25% of the less evolved regions harbor one of the most probable radio jets, while up to 50% of the more evolved regions contain one of these radio-jet candidates. This suggests that the detection of radio jets in high-mass star-forming regions is more likely in slightly more evolved regions.

ALMA View of the Infalling Envelope around a Massive Protostar in S255IR SMA1

Abstract The massive young stellar object S255IR NIRS3 embedded in the star-forming core SMA1 has been recently observed with a luminosity burst, which is conjectured as a disk-mediated variable accretion event. In this context, it is imperative to characterize the gas properties around the massive young stellar object. With this in mind, we carried out high angular resolution observations with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array and imaged the 900 μm dust continuum and the CH3CN J = 19−18 K = 0−10 transitions of S255IR SMA1. The integrated CH3CN emission exhibits an elongated feature with an extent of 1800 au in the northwest–southeast direction at a position angle of 165°, which is nearly perpendicular to the bipolar outflow. We confirm the presence of dense (a few cm−3) and hot (∼400 K) gas immediately surrounding the central protostar. The CH3CN emission features a velocity gradient along the elongated ridge, and by modeling the gas kinematics based on features in the position–velocity diagram, we infer that the gas is best described by a flattened rotating infalling envelope (or pseudo-disk). A mass infall rate of a few × 10−4 M ⊙ yr−1 is derived. If there exists a putative Keplerian disk directly involved in the mass accretion onto the star and jet/outflow launching, it is likely smaller than 125 au and unresolved by our observations. We show qualitative resemblances between the gas properties (such as density and kinematics) in 255IR SMA1 inferred from our observations and those in a numerical simulation particularly tailored for studying the burst mode of massive star formation.

Parameter study for the burst mode of accretion in massive star formation

ABSTRACT It is now a widely held view that, in their formation and early evolution, stars build up mass in bursts. The burst mode of star formation scenario proposes that the stars grow in mass via episodic accretion of fragments migrating from their gravitationally unstable circumstellar discs, and it naturally explains the existence of observed pre-main-sequence bursts from high-mass protostars. We present a parameter study of hydrodynamical models of massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) that explores the initial masses of the collapsing clouds (Mc = 60–$200\, \rm M_{\odot }$) and ratio of rotational-to-gravitational energies (β = 0.005–0.33). An increase in Mc and/or β produces protostellar accretion discs that are more prone to develop gravitational instability and to experience bursts. We find that all MYSOs have bursts even if their pre-stellar core is such that β ≤ 0.01. Within our assumptions, the lack of stable discs is therefore a major difference between low- and high-mass star formation mechanisms. All our disc masses and disc-to-star mass ratios Md/M⋆ > 1 scale as a power law with the stellar mass. Our results confirm that massive protostars accrete about $40\, -\, 60{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of their mass in the burst mode. The distribution of time periods between two consecutive bursts is bimodal: there is a short duration ($\sim 1\, -\, 10~\rm yr$) peak corresponding to the short, faintest bursts and a long-duration peak (at $\sim 10^{3}\, -\, 10^{4} \rm yr$) corresponding to the long, FU-Orionis-type bursts appearing in later disc evolution, i.e. around $30\, \rm kyr$ after disc formation. We discuss this bimodality in the context of the structure of massive protostellar jets as potential signatures of accretion burst history.

Multiwavelength modelling of the circumstellar environment of the massive protostar AFGL 2591 VLA 3

ABSTRACT We have studied the dust density, temperature, and velocity distributions of the archetypal massive young stellar object (MYSO) AFGL 2591. Given its high luminosity ($L=2\times 10^5\, \mbox{L$_{\odot}$}$) and distance (d = 3.3 kpc), AFGL 2591 has one of the highest $\sqrt{L}/d$ ratio, giving better resolved dust emission than any other MYSO. As such, this paper provides a template on how to use resolved multiwavelength data and radiative transfer to obtain a well-constrained 2D axisymmetric analytic rotating infall model. We show for the first time that the resolved dust continuum emission from Herschel 70- μm observations is extended along the outflow direction, whose origin is explained in part from warm dust in the outflow cavity walls. However, the model can only explain the kinematic features from CH3CN observations with unrealistically low stellar masses (<15 M⊙), indicating that additional physical processes may be playing a role in slowing down the envelope rotation. As part of our three-step continuum and line fitting, we have identified model parameters that can be further constrained by specific observations. High-resolution mm visibilities were fitted to obtain the disc mass (6 M⊙) and radius (2200 au). A combination of SED and near-infrared observations were used to estimate the luminosity and envelope mass together with the outflow cavity inclination and opening angles.

High-resolution Infrared Spectroscopy of Hot Molecular Gas in AFGL 2591 and AFGL 2136: Accretion in the Inner Regions of Disks around Massive Young Stellar Objects

Abstract We have performed a high-resolution 4–13 μm spectral survey of the hot molecular gas associated with the massive protostars AFGL 2591 and AFGL 2136, utilizing the Echelon Cross Echelle Spectrograph (EXES) on board the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, and the iSHELL instrument and Texas EchelonCross Echelle Spectrograph (TEXES) on the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF). Here we present the results of this survey with analysis of CO, HCN, C2H2, NH3, and CS, deriving the physical conditions for each species. Also from the IRTF, iSHELL data at 3 μm for AFGL 2591 are presented that show HCN and C2H2 in emission. In the EXES and TEXES data, all species are detected in absorption, and temperatures and abundances are found to be high (600 K and 10−6, respectively). Differences of up to an order of magnitude in the abundances of transitions that trace the same ground-state level are measured for HCN and C2H2. The mid-infrared continuum is known to originate in a disk, hence we attribute the infrared absorption to arise in the photosphere of the disk. As absorption lines require an outwardly decreasing temperature gradient, we conclude that the disk is heated in the midplane by viscous heating due to accretion. We attribute the near-IR emission lines to scattering by molecules in the upper layers of the disk photosphere. The absorption lines trace the disk properties at 50 au where high-temperature gas-phase chemistry is taking place. Abundances are consistent with chemical models of the inner disk of Herbig disks.

Multiwavelength investigation of extended green object G19.88-0.53: revealing a protocluster

ABSTRACT A multiwavelength analysis of star formation associated with the extended green object, G19.88-0.53 is presented in this paper. With multiple detected radio and millimetre components, G19.88-0.53 unveils as harbouring a protocluster rather than a single massive young stellar object. We detect an ionized thermal jet using the upgraded Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope, India, which is found to be associated with a massive, dense and hot ALMA 2.7 mm core driving a bipolar CO outflow. Near-infrared spectroscopy with UKIRT–UIST shows the presence of multiple shock-excited H2 lines concurrent with the nature of this region. Detailed investigation of the gas kinematics using ALMA data reveals G19.88-0.53 as an active protocluster with high-mass star-forming components spanning a wide evolutionary spectrum from hot cores in accretion phase to cores driving multiple outflows to possible UCH ii regions.

Star-forming Sites IC 446 and IC 447: An Outcome of End-dominated Collapse of Monoceros R1 Filament

Abstract We present an analysis of multiwavelength observations of Monoceros R1 (Mon R1) complex (at d ∼760 pc). An elongated filament (length ∼14 pc, mass ∼1465 M ⊙) is investigated in the complex, which is the most prominent structure in the Herschel column density map. An analysis of the FUGIN 12CO(1–0) and 13CO(1–0) line data confirms the existence of the filament traced in a velocity range of [−5, +1] km s−1. The filament is found to host two previously known sites IC 446 and IC 447 at its opposite ends. A massive young stellar object (YSO) is embedded in IC 446, while IC 447 contains several massive B-type stars. The Herschel temperature map reveals the extended warm dust emission (at T d ∼ 15–21 K) toward both the ends of the filament. The Spitzer ratio map of 4.5 μm/3.6 μm emission suggests the presence of photodissociation regions and signature of outflow activity toward IC 446 and IC 447. Based on the photometric analysis of point-like sources, clusters of YSOs are traced mainly toward the filament ends. The filament is found to be thermally supercritical showing its tendency of fragmentation, which is further confirmed by the detection of a periodic oscillatory pattern (having a period of ∼3–4 pc) in the velocity profile of 13CO. Our outcomes suggest that the fragments distributed toward the filament ends have rapidly collapsed, and had formed the known star-forming sites. Overall, the elongated filament in Mon R1 is a promising sample of the “end-dominated collapse” scenario, as discussed by Pon et al. (2011, 2012).

The Ionized Warped Disk and Disk Wind of the Massive Protostar Monoceros R2-IRS2 Seen with ALMA

Abstract Theories of massive star formation predict that massive protostars accrete gas through circumstellar disks. Although several cases have been found already thanks to high angular-resolution interferometry, the internal physical structure of these disks remains unknown, in particular whether they present warps or internal holes, as observed in low-mass protoplanetary disks. Here, we report very high angular-resolution observations of the H21α radio recombination line carried out in Band 9 with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (beam of 80 mas × 60 mas, or 70 au × 50 au) toward the IRS2 massive young stellar object in the Monoceros R2 star-forming cluster. The H21α line shows maser amplification, which allows us to study the kinematics and physical structure of the ionized gas around the massive protostar down to spatial scales of ∼1–2 au. Our ALMA images and 3D radiative transfer modeling reveal that the ionized gas around IRS2 is distributed in a Keplerian circumstellar disk and an expanding wind. The H21α emission centroids at velocities between −10 and 20 km s−1 deviate from the disk plane, suggesting a warping for the disk. This could be explained by the presence of a secondary object (a stellar companion or a massive planet) within the system. The ionized wind seems to be launched from the disk surface at distances ∼11 au from the central star, consistent with magnetically-regulated disk wind models. This suggests a similar wind-launching mechanism to that recently found for evolved massive stars such as MWC349A and MWC922.

On the Mass Accretion Rates of Herbig Ae/Be Stars. Magnetospheric Accretion or Boundary Layer?

Understanding how young stars gain their masses through disk-to-star accretion is of paramount importance in astrophysics. It affects our knowledge about the early stellar evolution, the disk lifetime and dissipation processes, the way the planets form on the smallest scales, or the connection to macroscopic parameters characterizing star-forming regions on the largest ones, among others. In turn, mass accretion rate estimates depend on the accretion paradigm assumed. For low-mass T Tauri stars with strong magnetic fields there is consensus that magnetospheric accretion (MA) is the driving mechanism, but the transfer of mass in massive young stellar objects with weak or negligible magnetic fields probably occurs directly from the disk to the star through a hot boundary layer (BL). The intermediate-mass Herbig Ae/Be (HAeBe) stars bridge the gap between both previous regimes and are still optically visible during the pre-main sequence phase, thus constituting a unique opportunity to test a possible change of accretion mode from MA to BL. This review deals with our estimates of accretion rates in HAeBes, critically discussing the different accretion paradigms. It shows that although mounting evidence supports that MA may extend to late-type HAes but not to early-type HBes, there is not yet a consensus on the validity of this scenario versus the BL one. Based on MA and BL shock modeling, it is argued that the ultraviolet regime could significantly contribute in the future to discriminating between these competing accretion scenarios.

Edge collapse and subsequent longitudinal accretion in filament S242

Filament S242 is 25 pc long with massive clumps and YSO clusters concentrated in its end regions; it is considered a good example of edge collapse. We mapped this filament in the 12CO(1–0) and 13CO(1–0) lines. A large-scale velocity gradient along filament S242 has been detected; the relative velocity between the two end-clumps is ~3 km s−1, indicating an approaching motion between them. These signatures are consistent with the filament S242 being formed through the collapse of a single elongated entity, where an effect known as “gravitational focusing” drives the ends of the filament to collapse (edge collapse). Based on this picture, we estimate a collapse timescale of ~4.2 Myr, which is the time needed for a finite and elongated entity evolving to the observed filament S242. For the whole filament, we find that increases in surface densities lead to increases in velocity dispersion, which can be consistently explained as the result of self-gravity. We also calculated the contribution of longitudinal collapse to the observed velocity dispersion and found it to be the dominant effect in driving the gas motion near the end-clumps. We propose that our filament S242 is formed through a two-stage collapse model, where the edge collapse of a truncated filament is followed by a stage of longitudinal accretion toward the dense end-clumps.

VLT/X-shooter spectroscopy of massive young stellar objects in the 30 Doradus region of the Large Magellanic Cloud

The process of massive star (M ≥ 8 M⊙) formation is still poorly understood. Observations of massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) are challenging due to their rarity, short formation timescale, large distances, and high circumstellar extinction. Here, we present the results of a spectroscopic analysis of a population of MYSOs in the Large Magellanic Cloud. We took advantage of the spectral resolution and wavelength coverage of X-shooter (300−2500 nm), which is mounted on the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope, to detect characteristic spectral features in a dozen MYSO candidates near 30 Doradus, the largest starburst region in the Local Group hosting the most massive stars known. The X-shooter spectra are strongly contaminated by nebular emission. We used a scaling method to subtract the nebular contamination from our objects. We detect Hα, β, [O I] 630.0 nm, Ca II, infrared triplet [Fe II] 1643.5 nm, fluorescent Fe II1687.8 nm, H22121.8 nm, Brγ, and CO bandhead emission in the spectra of multiple candidates. This leads to the spectroscopic confirmation of ten candidates as bona fide MYSOs. We compared our observations with photometric observations from the literature and find all MYSOs to have a strong near-infrared excess. We computed lower limits to the brightness and luminosity of the MYSO candidates, confirming the near-infrared excess and the massive nature of the objects. No clear correlation is seen between the Brγluminosity and metallicity. Combining our sample with other LMC samples results in a combined detection rate of disk features, such as fluorescent Fe IIand CO bandheads, which is consistent with the Galactic rate (40%). Most of our MYSOs show outflow features.