Massive Young Stellar Objects Research Articles

From clump to disc scales in W3 IRS4

Context. High-mass star formation typically takes place in a crowded environment, with a higher likelihood of young forming stars affecting and being affected by their surroundings and neighbours, as well as links between different physical scales affecting the outcome. However, observational studies are often focused on either clump or disc scales exclusively. Aims. We explore the physical and chemical links between clump and disc scales in the high-mass star formation region W3 IRS4, a region that contains a number of different evolutionary phases in the high-mass star formation process, as a case-study for what can be achieved as part of the IRAM NOrthern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) large programme named CORE: “Fragmentation and disc formation in high-mass star formation”. Methods. We present 1.4 mm continuum and molecular line observations with the IRAM NOEMA interferometer and 30 m telescope, which together probe spatial scales from ~0.3−20′′ (600−40 000 AU or 0.003−0.2 pc at 2 kpc, the distance to W3). As part of our analysis, we used XCLASS to constrain the temperature, column density, velocity, and line-width of the molecular emission lines. Results. The W3 IRS4 region includes a cold filament and cold cores, a massive young stellar object (MYSO) embedded in a hot core, and a more evolved ultra-compact (UC)H II region, with some degree of interaction between all components of the region that affects their evolution. A large velocity gradient is seen in the filament, suggesting infall of material towards the hot core at a rate of 10−3−10−4 M⊙ yr−1, while the swept up gas ring in the photodissociation region around the UCH II region may be squeezing the hot core from the other side. There are no clear indications of a disc around the MYSO down to the resolution of the observations (600 AU). A total of 21 molecules are detected, with the abundances and abundance ratios indicating that many molecules were formed in the ice mantles of dust grains at cooler temperatures, below the freeze-out temperature of CO (≲35 K). This contrasts with the current bulk temperature of ~50 K, which was obtained from H2CO. Conclusions. CORE observations allow us to comprehensively link the different structures in the W3 IRS4 region for the first time. Our results argue that the dynamics and environment around the MYSO W3 IRS4 have a significant impact on its evolution. This context would be missing if only high resolution or continuum observations were available.

The VMC survey – XXXVI. Young stellar variability in the Large Magellanic Cloud

ABSTRACT Studies of young stellar objects (YSOs) in the Galaxy have found that a significant fraction exhibits photometric variability. However, no systematic investigation has been conducted on the variability of extragalactic YSOs. Here we present the first variability study of massive YSOs in an $\sim 1.5\, \mathrm{deg^2}$ region of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). The aim is to investigate whether the different environmental conditions in the metal-poor LMC ($\sim 0.4\!-\!0.5\, \mathrm{Z_{\odot }}$) have an impact on the variability characteristics. Multi-epoch near-infrared (NIR) photometry was obtained from the VISTA Survey of the Magellanic Clouds (VMC) and our own monitoring campaign using the VISTA telescope. By applying a reduced χ2-analysis, stellar variability was identified. We found 3062 candidate variable stars from a population of 362 425 stars detected. Based on several Spitzer studies, we compiled a sample of high-reliability massive YSOs: a total of 173 massive YSOs have NIR counterparts (down to $K_s\sim 18.5\,$mag) in the VMC catalogue, of which 39 display significant (>3σ) variability. They have been classified as eruptive, fader, dipper, short-term variable, and long-period variable YSOs based mostly on the appearance of their Ks-band light curves. The majority of YSOs are aperiodic; only five YSOs exhibit periodic light curves. The observed amplitudes are comparable or smaller than those for Galactic YSOs (only two Magellanic YSOs exhibit $\Delta K_s\gt 1\,$mag), not what would have been expected from the typically larger mass accretion rates observed in the Magellanic Clouds.

The evolutionary status of protostellar clumps hosting class II methanol masers

ABSTRACT The Methanol MultiBeam survey (MMB) provides the most complete sample of Galactic massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) hosting 6.7 GHz class II methanol masers. We characterize the properties of these maser sources using dust emission detected by the Herschel Infrared Galactic Plane Survey (Hi-GAL) to assess their evolutionary state. Associating 731 (73 per cent) of MMB sources with compact emission at four Hi-GAL wavelengths, we derive clump properties and define the requirements of an MYSO to host a 6.7 GHz maser. The median far-infrared (FIR) mass and luminosity are 630 M⊙ and 2500 L⊙ for sources on the near side of Galactic centre and 3200 M⊙ and 10000 L⊙ for more distant sources. The median luminosity-to-mass ratio is similar for both at ∼4.2 L⊙ M⊙−1. We identify an apparent minimum 70 μm luminosity required to sustain a methanol maser of a given luminosity (with $L_{70} \propto L_{6.7}\, ^{0.6}$). The maser host clumps have higher mass and higher FIR luminosities than the general Galactic population of protostellar MYSOs. Using principal component analysis, we find 896 protostellar clumps satisfy the requirements to host a methanol maser but lack a detection in the MMB. Finding a 70 μm flux density deficiency in these objects, we favour the scenario in which these objects are evolved beyond the age where a luminous 6.7 GHz maser can be sustained. Finally, segregation by association with secondary maser species identifies evolutionary differences within the population of 6.7GHz sources.

Dense Cores, Filaments, and Outflows in the S255IR Region of High-mass Star Formation

Abstract We investigate at a high angular resolution the spatial and kinematic structure of the S255IR high-mass star-forming region, which demonstrated recently the first disk-mediated accretion burst in the massive young stellar object. The observations were performed with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Band 7 at an angular resolution of ∼ 0.″1, which corresponds to ∼180 au. The 0.9 mm continuum, C34S(7–6) and CCH N = 4 − 3 data show a presence of very narrow (∼1000 au), very dense (n ∼ 107 cm−3), and warm filamentary structures in this area. At least some of them represent apparently dense walls around the high velocity molecular outflow with a wide opening angle from the S255IR-SMA1 core, which is associated with the NIRS3 YSO. This wide-angle outflow surrounds a narrow jet. At the ends of the molecular outflow there are shocks, traced in the SiO(8–7) emission. The SiO abundance there is enhanced by at least 3 orders of magnitude. The CO(3–2) and SiO(8–7) data show a collimated and extended high velocity outflow from another dense core in this area, SMA2. The outflow is bent and consists of a chain of knots, which may indicate periodic ejections possibly arising from a binary system consisting of low- or intermediate-mass protostars. The C34S emission shows evidence of rotation of the parent core. Finally, we detected two new low-mass compact cores in this area (designated as SMM1 and SMM2), which may represent prestellar objects.

Surveying the Giant H ii Regions of the Milky Way with SOFIA. II. M17

Abstract We present our second set of results from our mid-infrared imaging survey of Milky Way giant H ii regions. We used the FORCAST instrument on the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) to obtain 20 and 37 μm images of the central ∼10′ × 10′ area of M17. We investigate the small- and large-scale properties of M17 using our data in conjunction with previous multiwavelength observations. The spectral energy distributions of individual compact sources were constructed with Spitzer-IRAC, SOFIA-FORCAST, and Herschel-PACS photometry data and fitted with massive young stellar object (MYSO) models. Seven sources were found to match the criteria for being MYSO candidates, four of which are identified here for the first time, and the stellar mass of the most massive object, UC 1, is determined to be 64 M ☉. We resolve the extended mid-infrared emission from the KW object and suggest that the angle of this extended emission is influenced by outflow. It is shown that IRS 5 decreases in brightness as a function of wavelength from the mid- to far-infrared and has several other indicators that point to it being an intermediate-mass Class II object and not an MYSO. We find that the large-scale appearance of emission in M17 at 20 μm is significantly affected by contamination from the [S iii] emission line from the ionized gas of the giant H ii region. Finally, a number of potential evolutionary tracers yield a consistent picture suggesting that the southern bar of M17 is likely younger than the northern bar.

Near-infrared monitoring of the accretion outburst in the massive young stellar object S255-NIRS3

Abstract We followed up the massive young stellar object S255-NIRS3 (= S255-IRS1b) during its recent accretion outburst event in the $K_{\rm s}$ band with Kanata/HONIR for four years after its burst and obtained a long-term light curve. This is the most complete near-infrared light curve of the S255-NIRS3 burst event that has ever been presented. The light curve showed a steep increase reaching a peak flux that was 3.4 mag brighter than the quiescent phase and then a relatively moderate year-scale fading until the last observation, similar to that of the accretion burst events such as EXors found in lower-mass young stellar objects. The behavior of the $K_{\rm s}$-band light curve is similar to that observed in 6.7 GHz class II methanol maser emission, with a sudden increase followed by moderate year-scale fading. However, the maser emission peaks appear 30–50 d earlier than that of the $K_{\rm s}$ band emission. The similarities confirmed that the origins of the maser emission and the $K_{\rm s}$-band continuum emission are common, as previously shown from other infrared and radio observations by Stecklum et al. (2016, Astronomer’s Telegram, 8732), Caratti o Garatti et al. (2017b, Nature Phys., 13, 276), and Moscadelli et al. (2017, A&A, 600, L8). However, the differences in energy transfer paths, such as the exciting/emitting/scattering structures, may cause the delay in the flux-peak dates.

Herschel spectroscopy of massive young stellar objects in the Magellanic Clouds

ABSTRACT We present Herschel Space Observatory Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer (PACS) and Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver Fourier Transform Spectrometer (SPIRE FTS) spectroscopy of a sample of 20 massive Young Stellar Objects (YSOs) in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC and SMC). We analyse the brightest far-infrared (far-IR) emission lines, that diagnose the conditions of the heated gas in the YSO envelope and pinpoint their physical origin. We compare the properties of massive Magellanic and Galactic YSOs. We find that [O i] and [C ii] emission, that originates from the photo-dissociation region associated with the YSOs, is enhanced with respect to the dust continuum in the Magellanic sample. Furthermore the photoelectric heating efficiency is systematically higher for Magellanic YSOs, consistent with reduced grain charge in low metallicity environments. The observed CO emission is likely due to multiple shock components. The gas temperatures, derived from the analysis of CO rotational diagrams, are similar to Galactic estimates. This suggests a common origin to the observed CO excitation, from low-luminosity to massive YSOs, both in the Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds. Bright far-IR line emission provides a mechanism to cool the YSO environment. We find that, even though [O i], CO, and [C ii] are the main line coolants, there is an indication that CO becomes less important at low metallicity, especially for the SMC sources. This is consistent with a reduction in CO abundance in environments where the dust is warmer due to reduced ultraviolet-shielding. Weak H2O and OH emission is detected, consistent with a modest role in the energy balance of wider massive YSO environments.

The young stellar population of the metal-poor galaxy NGC 6822

ABSTRACT We present a comprehensive study of massive young stellar objects (YSOs) in the metal-poor galaxy NGC 6822 using IRAC and MIPS data obtained from the Spitzer Space Telescope. We find over 500 new YSO candidates in seven massive star formation regions; these sources were selected using six colour–magnitude cuts. Via spectral energy distribution fitting to the data with YSO radiative transfer models we refine this list, identifying 105 high-confidence and 88 medium-confidence YSO candidates. For these sources, we constrain their evolutionary state and estimate their physical properties. The majority of our YSO candidates are massive protostars with an accreting envelope in the initial stages of formation. We fit the mass distribution of the Stage I YSOs with a Kroupa initial mass function and determine a global star formation rate of 0.039 $\mathrm{M}_{\odot } \, \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$. This is higher than star formation rate estimates based on integrated UV fluxes. The new YSO candidates are preferentially located in clusters which correspond to seven active high-mass star-formation regions which are strongly correlated with the 8 and 24 μm emission from PAHs and warm dust. This analysis reveals an embedded high-mass star formation region, Spitzer I, which hosts the highest number of massive YSO candidates in NGC 6822. The properties of Spitzer I suggest it is younger and more active than the other prominent H ii and star-formation regions in the galaxy.

WISE Discovery of Mid-infrared Variability in Massive Young Stellar Objects

Abstract We systematically investigate the mid-infrared (MIR; λ > 3 μm) time variability of uniformly selected ∼800 massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) from the Red Midcourse Space Experiment Source survey. Out of the 806 sources, we obtain reliable 9 yr long MIR magnitude variability data of 331 sources at the 3.4 μm (W1) and 4.6 μm (W2) bands by cross-matching the MYSO positions with ALLWISE and NEOWISE catalogs. After applying the variability selections using ALLWISE data, we identify five MIR-variable candidates. The light curves show various classes, with the periodic, plateau-like, and dipper features. Out of the obtained two color–magnitude diagram of W1 and W1−W2, one shows “bluer when brighter and redder when fainter” trends in variability, suggesting change in extinction or accretion rate. Finally, our results show that G335.9960−00.8532 (hereafter, G335) has a periodic light curve, with an ≈690 day cycle. Spectral energy density model fitting results indicate that G335 is a relatively evolved MYSO; thus, we may be witnessing the very early stages of a hyper- or ultra-compact H ii region, a key source for understanding MYSO evolution.

Cyanopolyyne Chemistry around Massive Young Stellar Objects

Abstract Recent radio astronomical observations have revealed that HC5N, the second shortest cyanopolyyne (HC2n+1N), is abundant around some massive young stellar objects (MYSOs), which is not predicted by classical carbon-chain chemistry. For example, the observed HC5N abundance toward the G28.28−0.36 MYSO is higher than that in L1527, which is one of the warm carbon-chain chemistry sources, by more than one order of magnitude. In this paper, we present chemical simulations of hot-core models with a warm-up period using the astrochemical code Nautilus. We find that the cyanopolyynes are formed initially in the gas phase and accreted onto the bulk and surface of granular ice mantles during the lukewarm phase, which occurs at 25 < T < 100 K. In slow warm-up period models, the peak abundances occur as the cyanopolyynes desorb from dust grains after the temperature rises above 100 K. The lower limits of the abundances of HC5N, CH3CCH, and CH3OH observed in the G28.28−0.36 MYSO can be reproduced in our hot-core models, after their desorption from dust grains. Moreover, previous observations suggested chemical diversity in envelopes around different MYSOs. We discuss possible interpretations of relationships between stages of the star formation process and such chemical diversity, such as the different warm-up timescales. This timescale depends not only on the mass of central stars but also on the relationship between the size of warm regions and their infall velocity.

On the ALMA observability of nascent massive multiple systems formed by gravitational instability

Massive young stellar object (MYSOs) form during the collapse of high-mass pre-stellar cores, where infalling molecular material is accreted through a centrifugally-balanced accretion disc that is subject to efficient gravitational instabilities. In the resulting fragmented accretion disc of the MYSO, gaseous clumps and low-mass stellar companions can form, which will influence the future evolution of massive protostars in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. We perform dust continuum radiative transfer calculations and compute synthetic images of disc structures modelled by the gravito-radiation-hydrodynamics simulation of a forming MYSO, in order to investigate the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observability of circumstellar gaseous clumps and forming multiple systems. Both spiral arms and gaseous clumps located at ~a few 100 au from the protostar can be resolved by interferometric ALMA Cycle 7 C43-8 and C43-10 observations at band 6 (1.2 mm), using a maximal 0.015" beam angular resolution and at least 10-30 min exposure time for sources at distances of 1-2 kpc. Our study shows that substructures are observable regardless of their viewing geometry or can be inferred in the case of an edge-viewed disc. The observation probability of the clumps increases with the gradually increasing efficiency of gravitational instability at work as the disc evolves. As a consequence, large discs around MYSOs close to the zero-age-main-sequence line exhibit more substructures than at the end of the gravitational collapse. Our results motivate further observational campaigns devoted to the close surroundings of the massive protostars S255IR-NIRS3 and NGC 6334I-MM1, whose recent outbursts are a probable signature of disc fragmentation and accretion variability.

A multi-scale exploration of a massive young stellar object

Context.The rarity of young massive stars combined with the fact that they are often deeply embedded has limited the understanding of the formation of stars larger than 8M⊙. Ground based mid-infrared (IR) interferometry is one way of securing the spatial resolution required to probe the circumstellar environments of massive young stellar objects (MYSOs). Given that the spatial-frequency coverage of such observations is often incomplete, direct-imaging can be supplementary to such a dataset. By consolidating these observations with modelling, the features of a massive protostellar environment can be constrained.Aims.This paper aims to detail the physical characteristics of the protostellar environment of the MYSO G305.20+0.21 at three size-scales by fitting one 2.5D radiative transfer model to three different types of observations simultaneously, providing an extensive view of the accreting regions of the MYSO.Methods.Interferometry, imaging and a multi-wavelength spectral energy distribution (SED) are combined to study G305.20+0.21. The high-resolution observations were obtained using the Very Large Telescope’s MIDI and VISIR instruments, producing visibilities in theN-band and near-diffraction-limited imaging in theQ-band respectively. By fitting simulated observables, derived from the radiative transfer model, to our observations the properties of the MYSO are constrained.Results.The VISIR image shows elongation at 100 mas scales and also displays a degree of asymmetry. From the simulated observables derived from the radiative transfer model output we find that a central protostar with a luminosity of ~5 × 104L⊙surrounded by a low-density bipolar cavity, a flared 1M⊙disk and an envelope is sufficient to fit all three types of observational data for G305.20+0.21. The weak silicate absorption feature within the SED requires low-density envelope cavities to be successfully fit and is an atypical characteristic in comparison to previously studied MYSOs.Conclusions.The fact that the presence of a dusty disk provides the best fit to the MIDI visibilities implies that this MYSO is following a scaled-up version of the low-mass star formation process. The low density, low extinction environment implies the object is a more evolved MYSO and this combined with large inner radius of the disk suggests that it could be an example of a transitional disk around an MYSO.

Massive Young Stellar Objects and Outflow in the Infrared Dark Cloud G79.3+0.3

Abstract G79.3+0.3 is an infrared dark cloud in the Cygnus-X complex that is home to massive deeply embedded young stellar objects (YSOs). We have produced a Submillimeter Array (SMA) 1.3 mm continuum image and 12CO line maps of the eastern section of G79.3+0.3 in which we detect five separate YSOs. We have estimated physical parameters for these five YSOs and others in the vicinity of G79.3+0.3 by fitting existing photometry from Spitzer, Herschel, and ground-based telescopes to spectral energy distribution models. Through these model fits we find that the most massive YSOs seen in the SMA 1.3 mm continuum emission have masses in the 5–6 M ☉ range. One of the SMA sources was observed to power a massive collimated 12CO outflow extending at least 0.94 pc in both directions from the protostar, with a total mass of 0.83 M ☉ and a dynamical timescale of 23 kyr.

A search for non-thermal radio emission from jets of massive young stellar objects

Massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) have recently been shown to drive jets whose particles can interact with either the magnetic fields of the jet or ambient medium to emit non-thermal radiation. We report a search for non-thermal radio emission from a sample of 15 MYSOs to establish the prevalence of the emission in the objects. We used their spectra across the L-, C- and Q-bands along with spectral index maps to characterise their emission. We find that about 50% of the sources show evidence for non-thermal emission with 40% showing clear non-thermal lobes, especially sources of higher bolometric luminosity. The common or IRAS names of the sources that manifest non-thermal lobes are; V645Cyg, IRAS 22134+5834, NGC 7538 IRS 9, IRAS 23262+640, AFGL 402d and AFGL 490. All the central cores of the sources are thermal with corresponding mass-loss rates that lie in the range 3X10^{-7} to 7X10^{-6} solar masses per year. Given the presence of non-thermal lobes in some of the sources and the evidence of non-thermal emission from some spectral index maps, it seems that magnetic fields play a significant role in the jets of massive protostars. Also noted is that some of the sources show evidence of binarity and variability.

Resolving the MYSO binaries PDS 27 and PDS 37 with VLTI/PIONIER

Context. Binarity and multiplicity appear to be a common outcome in star formation. In particular, the binary fraction of massive (OB-type) stars can be very high. In many cases, the further stellar evolution of these stars is affected by binary interactions at some stage during their lifetime. The origin of this high binarity and the binary parameters are poorly understood because observational constraints are scarce, which is predominantly due to a dearth of known young massive binary systems. Aims. We aim to identify and describe massive young binary systems in order to fill in the gaps of our knowledge of primordial binarity of massive stars, which is crucial for our understanding of massive star formation. Methods. We observed the two massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) PDS 27 and PDS 37 at the highest spatial resolution provided by VLTI/PIONIER in the H-band (1.3 mas). We applied geometrical models to fit the observed squared visibilities and closure phases. In addition, we performed a radial velocity analysis using published VLT/FORS2 spectropolarimetric and VLT/X-shooter spectroscopic observations. Results. Our findings suggest binary companions for both objects at 12 mas (30 au) for PDS 27 and at 22–28 mas (42–54 au) for PDS 37. This means that they are among the closest MYSO binaries resolved to date. Conclusions. Our data spatially resolve PDS 27 and PDS 37 for the first time, revealing two of the closest and most massive (>8 M⊙) YSO binary candidates to date. PDS 27 and PDS 37 are rare but great laboratories to quantitatively inform and test the theories on formation of such systems.

EVN observations of 6.7 GHz methanol maser polarization in massive star-forming regions

Context. Magnetohydrodynamical simulations show that the magnetic field can drive molecular outflows during the formation of massive protostars. The best probe to observationally measure both the morphology and the strength of this magnetic field at scales of 10–100 au is maser polarization. Aims. We measure the direction of magnetic fields at milliarcsecond resolution around a sample of massive star-forming regions to determine whether there is a relation between the orientation of the magnetic field and of the outflows. In addition, by estimating the magnetic field strength via the Zeeman splitting measurements, the role of magnetic field in the dynamics of the massive star-forming region is investigated. Methods. We selected a flux-limited sample of 31 massive star-forming regions to perform a statistical analysis of the magnetic field properties with respect to the molecular outflows characteristics. We report the linearly and circularly polarized emission of 6.7 GHz CH3OH masers towards seven massive star-forming regions of the total sample with the European VLBI Network. The sources are: G23.44−0.18, G25.83−0.18, G25.71−0.04, G28.31−0.39, G28.83−0.25, G29.96−0.02, and G43.80−0.13. Results. We identified a total of 219 CH3OH maser features, 47 and 2 of which showed linearly and circularly polarized emission, respectively. We measured well-ordered linear polarization vectors around all the massive young stellar objects and Zeeman splitting towards G25.71−0.04 and G28.83−0.25. Thanks to recent theoretical results, we were able to provide lower limits to the magnetic field strength from our Zeeman splitting measurements. Conclusions. We further confirm (based on ∼80% of the total flux-limited sample) that the magnetic field on scales of 10–100 au is preferentially oriented along the outflow axes. The estimated magnetic field strength of |B||| > 61 mG and >21 mG towards G25.71−0.04 and G28.83−0.25, respectively, indicates that it dominates the dynamics of the gas in both regions.

Study of variable stars associated with maser sources: G025.65+1.05

We report variation of K-band infrared (IR) emission in the vicinity of the G025.65+1.05 water and methanol maser source. New observational data were obtained with the 2.5 m telescope at the Caucasian Mountain Observatory (CMO) of Moscow State University on 2017–09–21 during a strong water maser flare. We found that the IR source situated close to the maser position had decreased brightness in comparison to archive data. This source is associated with a massive young stellar object (MYSO) corresponding to the compact IR source IRAS 18316–0602 (RAFGL 7009S). A similar decrease in K-brightness of the IR source close to the maser position was observed in March 2011 when the water maser experienced a period of increased activity. The dips in MYSO brightness can be related to the maser flare phases. Maser flares that are concurrent with dips in the IR emission can be explained if the lower IR radiation field enables a more efficient sink for the pumping cycle by allowing IR photons to escape the maser region.

Surveying the Giant H ii Regions of the Milky Way with SOFIA. I. W51A

Abstract We discuss the first results from our mid-infrared (MIR) imaging survey of Milky Way Giant H ii (GH ii) regions with our detailed analysis of W51A, which is one of the largest GH ii regions in our Galaxy. We used the FORCAST instrument on the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) to obtain 20 and 37 μm images of the central 10′ × 20′ area, which encompasses both of the G49.5–0.4 and G49.4–0.3 subregions. Based on these new data, and in conjunction with previous multiwavelength observations, we conjecture on the physical nature of several individual sources and subcomponents within W51A. We find that extinction seems to play an important role in the observed structures we see in the near- to MIR, both globally and locally. We used the SOFIA photometry combined with Spitzer–IRAC and Herschel–PACS photometry data to construct spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of the subcomponents and point sources detected in the SOFIA images. We fit those SEDs with young stellar object models and found 41 sources that are likely to be massive young stellar objects, many of which are identified as such in this work for the first time. Close to half of the massive young stellar objects do not have detectable radio continuum emission at centimeter wavelengths, implying a very young state of formation. We derived luminosity-to-mass ratio and virial parameters of the extended radio subregions of W51A to estimate their relative ages.

Initial phases of high-mass star formation: a multiwavelength study towards the extended green object G12.42+0.50

We present a multiwavelength study of the extended green object, G12.42+0.50 in this paper. The associated ionized, dust, and molecular components of this source are studied in detail employing various observations at near-, mid- and far-infrared, submillimeter and radio wavelengths. Radio continuum emission mapped at 610 and 1390 MHz, using the Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope, India, advocates for a scenario of coexistence of an UC H II region and an ionized thermal jet possibly powered by the massive young stellar object, IRAS 18079-1756 with an estimated spectral type of B1 - B0.5. Shock-excited lines of H2 and [FeII], as seen in the near-infrared spectra obtained with UKIRT-UIST, lend support to this picture. Cold dust emission shows a massive clump of mass 1375 M{\sun} enveloping G12.42+0.50. Study of the molecular gas kinematics using the MALT90 and JCMT archival data unravels the presence of both infall activity and large-scale outflow suggesting an early stage of massive star formation in G12.42+0.50. A network of filamentary features are also revealed merging with the massive clump mimicking a hub-filament layout. Velocity structure along these indicate bulk inflow motion.

Extremely High Excitation SiO Lines in Disk-outflow Systems in Orion Source I

Abstract We present high-resolution images of the submillimeter SiO line emissions of a massive young stellar object Orion Source I using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array at band 8. We detected the 464 GHz SiO v = 4 J = 11–10 line in Source I, which is the first detection of the SiO v = 4 line in star-forming regions, together with the 465 GHz 29SiO v = 2 J = 11–10 and the 428 GHz SiO v = 2 J = 10–9 lines with a resolution of 50 au. The 29SiO v = 2 J = 11–10 and SiO v = 4 J = 11–10 lines have compact structures with a diameter of <80 au. The spatial and velocity distributions suggest that the line emissions are associated with the base of the outflow and the surface of the edge-on disk. In contrast, SiO v = 2 J = 10–9 emission shows a bipolar structure in the direction of northeast–southwest low-velocity outflow with a ∼200 au scale. The emission line exhibits a velocity gradient along the direction of the disk elongation. With the assumption of the ring structure with Keplerian rotation, we estimated the lower limit of the central mass to be 7 M ⊙ and the radius to be 12 au < r < 26 au.