Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2005-08-01
Astrophys.J.634:1146-1154,2005
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
26 pages, 10 figues. Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal
Scientific paper
10.1086/496969
We present near infrared broad band and polarimetric images of the compact star forming cluster AFGL437 obtained with the NICMOS instrument aboard HST. Our high resolution images reveal a well collimated bipolar reflection nebulosity in the cluster and allow us to identify WK34 as the illuminating source. The scattered light in the bipolar nebulosity centered on this source is very highly polarized (up to 79%). Such high levels of polarization implies a distribution of dust grains lacking large grains, contrary to the usual dust models of dark clouds. We discuss the geometry of the dust distribution giving rise to the bipolar reflection nebulosity and make mass estimates for the underlying scattering material. We find that the most likely inclination of the bipolar nebulosity, south lobe inclined towards Earth, is consistent with the inclination of the large scale CO molecular outflow associated with the cluster, strengthening the identification of WK34 as the source powering it.
Hines Dean Carter
Meakin Casey a.
Thompson Roger I.
No associations
LandOfFree
Young stars and dust in AFGL437: NICMOS/HST polarimetric imaging of an outflow source 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 Young stars and dust in AFGL437: NICMOS/HST polarimetric imaging of an outflow source, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Young stars and dust in AFGL437: NICMOS/HST polarimetric imaging of an outflow source will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-615186