An expanding system of molecular clouds surrounding Lambda Orionis

Details An expanding system of molecular clouds surrounding Lambda Orionis An expanding system of molecular clouds surrounding Lambda Orionis

Dec 1987

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1987apj...323..179m&link_type=abstract

Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 323, Dec. 1, 1987, p. 179-192.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

33

Astronomical Spectroscopy, Big Bang Cosmology, Emission Spectra, Line Spectra, Molecular Clouds, O Stars, Astronomical Models, Carbon Monoxide, Star Formation

Scientific paper

Observations of the J = 1-0 line of CO, taken from the Columbia University survey of Orion, reveal a ring of molecular gas which is 10 deg (69 pc) in diameter and centered on the H II region S264 and its ionizing O8 star, Lambda Ori. A kinematical model for the expanding ring has been fitted to the positions and velocities of the observed molecular peaks. It suggests that the ring is tilted by 36 deg with respect to the line of sight and is expanding at 14 km/s. The molecular clouds, which lie on a well-defined ellipse just outside the edge of the H II region, coincide with a ring of dust clouds and diffuse IR emission. The distribution and velocity of ionized, atomic, and molecular gases suggest that Lambda Ori formed at the center of a flattened molecular cloud which was disrupted by a combination of the gas pressure within the H II region created by Lambda Ori and the rocket effect. A model is presented for the evolution of a flattened or oblate molecular cloud at whose center an O star forms. The parameters of the model compare favorably with the observed characteristics of the Lambda Ori system, with the exception of the velocity of Lambda Ori itself. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are noted.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

An expanding system of molecular clouds surrounding Lambda Orionis does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with An expanding system of molecular clouds surrounding Lambda Orionis, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and An expanding system of molecular clouds surrounding Lambda Orionis will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-901044