Near-infrared echelle spectroscopy of Class I protostars: molecular hydrogen emission-line (MHEL) regions revealed

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

49

Circumstellar Matter, Ism: Jets And Outflows, Ism: Kinematics And Dynamics, Ism: Lines And Bands, Infrared: Stars

Scientific paper

Infrared echelle spectra are used to trace dynamic activity in the immediate vicinity of Class I outflow sources. The H2 and Brγ observations presented here trace different components of these emission-line regions; indeed, they are thought to trace the orthogonal processes of outflow and infall respectively. High-velocity H2 emission is detected in the extended lobes of nine outflows. In addition, complex H2 line emission is observed within a few hundred au of nine of the outflow sources. We refer to these H2 emission regions as `molecular hydrogen emission-line' regions, or MHELs, and compare their properties to those of forbidden emission-line regions (FELs) observed in classical T Tauri and some Herbig AeBe stars. Like the FELs, both low- and high-velocity components (LVCs and HVCs) are observed in H2, with blueshifted velocities of the order of 5-20 and 50-150kms-1 respectively. LVCs are more common than HVCs in MHEL regions, and like their FEL counterparts, the latter are spatially further offset from the exciting source in each case. The MHEL regions - which are in all cases preferentially blueshifted - are assumed to be associated with the base of each outflow. Brγ profiles are detected towards four of the Class I sources observed (SVS 13, IRAS 04239+2436, HH 34-IRS and GGD 27(1)) as well as towards the T Tauri star AS 353A. These lines are all broad and symmetric, the line peaks being blueshifted by ~30kms-1. The profiles are typical of the permitted hydrogen line profiles observed in many T Tauri stars, and probably derive from magnetospheric accretion flows. We do not observe redshifted absorption features (inverse P-Cygni profiles) in any of the sources, however. Nor do we detect a dependence on linewidth with inclination angle of the system to the line of sight, as is predicted by such accretion models. No Brγ is detected in the extended flow lobes. Instead, the emission is confined to the source and is spatially unresolved along each flow axis.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Near-infrared echelle spectroscopy of Class I protostars: molecular hydrogen emission-line (MHEL) regions revealed 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 Near-infrared echelle spectroscopy of Class I protostars: molecular hydrogen emission-line (MHEL) regions revealed, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Near-infrared echelle spectroscopy of Class I protostars: molecular hydrogen emission-line (MHEL) regions revealed will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1155187

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.