Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2010-10-20
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
9 pages, 5 figures; accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Scientific paper
The 6.7 GHz methanol maser is exclusively associated with high-mass star formation. However, it remains unclear what structures harbour the methanol masers. Cepheus A is one of the closest regions of massive star formation, making it an excellent candidate for detailed studies. We determine the dynamics of maser spots in the high-mass star-forming region Cepheus A in order to infer where and when the maser emission occurs. Very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations of the 6.7 and 12.2 GHz methanol masers allows for mapping their spatial and velocity distribution. Phase-referencing is used to determine the astrometric positions of the maser emission, and multi-epoch observations can reveal 3D motions. The 6.7 GHz methanol masers are found in a filamentary structure over ~1350 AU, straddling the waist of the radio jet HW2. The positions agree well with previous observations of both the 6.7 and 12.2 GHz methanol masers. The velocity field of the maser spots does not show any sign of rotation, but is instead consistent with an infall signature. The 12.2 GHz methanol masers are closely associated with the 6.7 GHz methanol masers, and the parallax that we derive confirms previous measurements. We show that the methanol maser emission very likely arises in a shock interface in the equatorial region of Cepheus A HW2 and presents a model in which the maser emission occurs between the infalling gas and the accretion disk/process.
Bourke Stephen
Torstensson Karl J. E.
van Langevelde Hubrecht Jan
Vlemmings Wouter H. T.
No associations
LandOfFree
Dynamics of the 6.7 and 12.2 GHz methanol masers around Cepheus A HW2 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 Dynamics of the 6.7 and 12.2 GHz methanol masers around Cepheus A HW2, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dynamics of the 6.7 and 12.2 GHz methanol masers around Cepheus A HW2 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-717265