scholarly journals A Search for High-Mass Stars Forming in Isolation using CORNISH and ATLASGAL

Author(s):  
Chenoa D. Tremblay ◽  
Andrew J. Walsh ◽  
Steven N. Longmore ◽  
James S. Urquhart ◽  
Carsten König

AbstractTheoretical models of high-mass star formation lie between two extreme scenarios. At one extreme, all the mass comes from an initially gravitationally bound core. At the other extreme, the majority of the mass comes from cluster scale gas, which lies far outside the initial core boundary. One way to unambiguously show high-mass stars can assemble their gas through the former route would be to find a high-mass star forming in isolation. Making use of recently available CORNISH and ATLASGAL Galactic plane survey data, we develop sample selection criteria to try and find such an object. From an initial list of approximately 200 sources, we identify the high-mass star-forming region G13.384 + 0.064 as the most promising candidate. The region contains a strong radio continuum source, that is powered by an early B-type star. The bolometric luminosity, derived from infrared measurements, is consistent with this. However, sub-millimetre continuum emission, measured in ATLASGAL, as well as dense gas tracers, such as HCO+(3–2) and N2H+(3–2) indicate that there is less than ~ 100 M⊙ of material surrounding this star. We conclude that this region is indeed a promising candidate for a high-mass star forming in isolation.

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédérique Motte ◽  
Sylvain Bontemps ◽  
Fabien Louvet

This review examines the state-of-the-art knowledge of high-mass star and massive cluster formation, gained from ambitious observational surveys, which acknowledges the multiscale characteristics of these processes. After a brief overview of theoretical models and main open issues, we present observational searches for the evolutionary phases of high-mass star formation, first among high-luminosity sources and more recently among young massive protostars and the elusive high-mass prestellar cores. We then introduce the most likely evolutionary scenario for high-mass star formation, which emphasizes the link of high-mass star formation to massive cloud and cluster formation. Finally, we introduce the first attempts to search for variations of the star-formation activity and cluster formation in molecular cloud complexes in the most extreme star-forming sites and across the Milky Way. The combination of Galactic plane surveys and high–angular resolution images with submillimeter facilities such as Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) are prerequisites to make significant progress in the forthcoming decade.


Author(s):  
A J Rigby ◽  
N Peretto ◽  
R Adam ◽  
P Ade ◽  
M Anderson ◽  
...  

Abstract Determining the mechanism by which high-mass stars are formed is essential for our understanding of the energy budget and chemical evolution of galaxies. By using the New IRAM KIDs Array 2 (NIKA2) camera on the Institut de Radio Astronomie Millimétrique (IRAM) 30-m telescope, we have conducted high-sensitivity and large-scale mapping of a fraction of the Galactic plane in order to search for signatures of the transition between the high- and low-mass star-forming modes. Here, we present the first results from the Galactic Star Formation with NIKA2 (GASTON) project, a Large Programme at the IRAM 30-m telescope which is mapping ≈2 deg2 of the inner Galactic plane (GP), centred on ℓ = 23${_{.}^{\circ}}$9, b = 0${_{.}^{\circ}}$05, as well as targets in Taurus and Ophiuchus in 1.15 and 2.00 mm continuum wavebands. In this paper we present the first of the GASTON GP data taken, and present initial science results. We conduct an extraction of structures from the 1.15 mm maps using a dendrogram analysis and, by comparison to the compact source catalogues from Herschel survey data, we identify a population of 321 previously-undetected clumps. Approximately 80 per cent of these new clumps are 70 μm-quiet, and may be considered as starless candidates. We find that this new population of clumps are less massive and cooler, on average, than clumps that have already been identified. Further, by classifying the full sample of clumps based upon their infrared-bright fraction – an indicator of evolutionary stage – we find evidence for clump mass growth, supporting models of clump-fed high-mass star formation.


Author(s):  
Katsuhiro Hayashi ◽  
Satoshi Yoshiike ◽  
Rei Enokiya ◽  
Shinji Fujita ◽  
Rin Yamada ◽  
...  

Abstract We report on a study of the high-mass star formation in the H ii region W 28 A2 by investigating the molecular clouds that extend over ∼5–10 pc from the exciting stars using the 12CO and 13CO (J = 1–0) and 12CO (J = 2–1) data taken by NANTEN2 and Mopra observations. These molecular clouds consist of three velocity components with CO intensity peaks at VLSR ∼ −4 km s−1, 9 km s−1, and 16 km s−1. The highest CO intensity is detected at VLSR ∼ 9 km s−1, where the high-mass stars with spectral types O6.5–B0.5 are embedded. We found bridging features connecting these clouds toward the directions of the exciting sources. Comparisons of the gas distributions with the radio continuum emission and 8 μm infrared emission show spatial coincidence/anti-coincidence, suggesting physical associations between the gas and the exciting sources. The 12CO J = 2–1 to 1–0 intensity ratio shows a high value (≳0.8) toward the exciting sources for the −4 km s−1 and +9 km s−1 clouds, possibly due to heating by the high-mass stars, whereas the intensity ratio at the CO intensity peak (VLSR ∼ 9 km s−1) decreases to ∼0.6, suggesting self absorption by the dense gas in the near side of the +9 km s−1 cloud. We found partly complementary gas distributions between the −4 km s−1 and +9 km s−1 clouds, and the −4 km s−1 and +16 km s−1 clouds. The exciting sources are located toward the overlapping region in the −4 km s−1 and +9 km s−1 clouds. Similar gas properties are found in the Galactic massive star clusters RCW 38 and NGC 6334, where an early stage of cloud collision to trigger the star formation is suggested. Based on these results, we discuss the possibility of the formation of high-mass stars in the W 28 A2 region being triggered by cloud–cloud collision.


2019 ◽  
Vol 630 ◽  
pp. A54 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. Beltrán ◽  
M. Padovani ◽  
J. M. Girart ◽  
D. Galli ◽  
R. Cesaroni ◽  
...  

Context. Submillimeter Array (SMA) 870 μm polarization observations of the hot molecular core G31.41+0.31 revealed one of the clearest examples up to date of an hourglass-shaped magnetic field morphology in a high-mass star-forming region. Aims. To better establish the role that the magnetic field plays in the collapse of G31.41+0.31, we carried out Atacama Large Millimeter/ submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of the polarized dust continuum emission at 1.3 mm with an angular resolution four times higher than that of the previous (sub)millimeter observations to achieve an unprecedented image of the magnetic field morphology. Methods. We used ALMA to perform full polarization observations at 233 GHz (Band 6). The resulting synthesized beam is 0′′.28×0′′.20 which, at the distance of the source, corresponds to a spatial resolution of ~875 au. Results. The observations resolve the structure of the magnetic field in G31.41+0.31 and allow us to study the field in detail. The polarized emission in the Main core of G31.41+0.41is successfully fit with a semi-analytical magnetostatic model of a toroid supported by magnetic fields. The best fit model suggests that the magnetic field is well represented by a poloidal field with a possible contribution of a toroidal component of ~10% of the poloidal component, oriented southeast to northwest at approximately −44° and with an inclination of approximately −45°. The magnetic field is oriented perpendicular to the northeast to southwest velocity gradient detected in this core on scales from 103 to 104 au. This supports the hypothesis that the velocity gradient is due to rotation of the core and suggests that such a rotation has little effect on the magnetic field. The strength of the magnetic field estimated in the central region of the core with the Davis–Chandrasekhar-Fermi method is ~8–13 mG and implies that the mass-to-flux ratio in this region is slightly supercritical. Conclusions. The magnetic field in G31.41+0.31 maintains an hourglass-shaped morphology down to scales of <1000 au. Despite the magnetic field being important in G31.41+0.31, it is not enough to prevent fragmentation and collapse of the core, as demonstrated by the presence of at least four sources embedded in the center of the core.


2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (H15) ◽  
pp. 780-780
Author(s):  
F. Schuller ◽  
K. M. Menten ◽  
F. Wyrowski ◽  
H. Beuther ◽  
S. Bontemps ◽  
...  

AbstractSubmillimeter continuum emission traces high molecular column densities and, thus, dense cloud regions in which new stars are forming. Surveys of the Galactic plane in such emission have the potential of delivering an unbiased view of high-mass star formation throughout the Milky Way. Here we present the scope, current status and first results of ATLASGAL, an ongoing survey of the Galactic plane using the Large APEX Bolometer Camera (LABOCA) on the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX) telescope at the Chajnantor plateau in Chile. Aimed at mapping 360 square degrees at 870 μm, with a uniform sensitivity of 50 mJy/beam, this survey will provide the first unbiased sample of cold dusty clumps in the Galaxy at submillimeter wavelengths. These will be targets for molecular line follow-up observations and high resolution studies with ALMA and the EVLA.


2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (S292) ◽  
pp. 50-50
Author(s):  
Vicki Lowe ◽  
Maria R. Cunningham ◽  
James S. Urquhart ◽  
Shinji Horiuchi

AbstractHigh-mass stars are known to be born within giant molecular clouds (GMCs); However, the exact processes involved in forming a high-mass star are still not well understood. It is clear that high-mass stars do not form in isolation, and that the processes surrounding high-mass star formation may affect the environment of the entire molecular cloud. We are studying the GMC associated with RCW 106 (G333), which is one of the most active massive-star formation regions in the Galactic plane. This GMC, located at l = 333° b = − 0.5°, has been mapped in over 20 molecular line transitions with the Mopra radio telescope (83-110 GHz), in Australia, and with the Swedish-ESO Submillimeter Telescope (SEST) in the 1.2 mm cool dust continuum. The region is also within the Spitzer GLIMPSE infrared survey (3.6, 4.5, 5.8, and 8.0 μm) area. We have decomposed the dust continuum using a clump-finding algorithm (CLUMPFIND), and are using the multiple molecular line traditions from the Mopra radio telescope to classify the type and stage of star formation taking place therein. Having accurate physical temperatures of the star forming clumps is essential to constrain other parameters to within useful limits. To achieve this, we have obtained pointed NH3 observations from the Tidbinbilla 70-m radio telescope, in Australia, towards these clumps.


2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (H15) ◽  
pp. 781-781
Author(s):  
Cormac R. Purcell ◽  
Melvin G. Hoare ◽  

AbstractThe CORNISH (Co-Ordinated Radio ‘N’ Infrared Survey for High-mass star formation) project is the radio continuum part of a series of multi-wavelength surveys of the Galactic Plane that focus on the northern GLIMPSE-I region (10° < l <65°, |b| < 1°) observed by the SPITZER satellite in the mid-infrared (Churchwell et al. 2009). CORNISH has delivered a complementary 5 GHz arcsecond resolution, radio-continuum survey to address key questions in high-mass star formation as well as many other areas of astrophysics.


2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (S287) ◽  
pp. 296-297
Author(s):  
Jian-jun Zhou ◽  
Jarken Esimbek ◽  
Gang Wu

AbstractWater masers are good tracers of high-mass star-forming regions. Water maser VLBI observations provide a good probe for studying high-mass star formation and galactic structure. We plan to make a blind survey toward the northern Galactic plane in future years using the 25 m radio telescope of the Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory. We will select some water maser sources discovered in the survey and perform high resolution observations to study the gas kinematics close to high-mass protostars.


2020 ◽  
Vol 645 ◽  
pp. A29
Author(s):  
Ü. Kavak ◽  
Á. Sánchez-Monge ◽  
A. López-Sepulcre ◽  
R. Cesaroni ◽  
F. F. S. van der Tak ◽  
...  

Context. Recent theoretical and observational studies debate the similarities of the formation process of high- (>8 M⊙) and low-mass stars. The formation of low-mass stars is directly associated with the presence of disks and jets. Theoretical models predict that stars with masses up to 140 M⊙ can be formed through disk-mediated accretion in disk-jet systems. According to this scenario, radio jets are expected to be common in high-mass star-forming regions. Aims. We aim to increase the number of known radio jets in high-mass star-forming regions by searching for radio-jet candidates at radio continuum wavelengths. Methods. We used the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) to observe 18 high-mass star-forming regions in the C band (6 cm, ≈1′′.0 resolution) and K band (1.3 cm, ≈0′′.3 resolution). We searched for radio-jet candidates by studying the association of radio continuum sources with shock activity signs (e.g., molecular outflows, extended green objects, and maser emission). Our VLA observations also targeted the 22 GHz H2O and 6.7 GHz CH3OH maser lines. Results. We have identified 146 radio continuum sources, 40 of which are located within the field of view of both images (C and K band maps). We derived the spectral index, which is consistent with thermal emission (between − 0.1 and + 2.0) for 73% of these sources. Based on the association with shock-activity signs, we identified 28 radio-jet candidates. Out of these, we identified 7 as the most probable radio jets. The radio luminosity of the radio-jet candidates is correlated with the bolometric luminosity and the outflow momentum rate. About 7–36% of the radio-jet candidates are associated with nonthermal emission. The radio-jet candidates associated with 6.7 GHz CH3OH maser emission are preferentially thermal winds and jets, while a considerable fraction of radio-jet candidates associated with H2O masers show nonthermal emission that is likely due to strong shocks. Conclusions. About 60% of the radio continuum sources detected within the field of view of our VLA images are potential radio jets. The remaining sources could be compact H II regions in their early stages of development, or radio jets for which we currently lack further evidence of shock activity. Our sample of 18 regions is divided into 8 less evolved infrared-dark regions and 10 more evolved infrared-bright regions. We found that ≈71% of the identified radio-jet candidates are located in the more evolved regions. Similarly, 25% of the less evolved regions harbor one of the most probable radio jets, while up to 50% of the more evolved regions contain one of these radio-jet candidates. This suggests that the detection of radio jets in high-mass star-forming regions is more likely in slightly more evolved regions.


2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (S287) ◽  
pp. 182-183
Author(s):  
V. Migenes ◽  
I. T. Rodríguez ◽  
M. A. Trinidad

AbstractWe present and discuss VLA-EVLA high-sensitivity and spatial resolution observations of Water Vapor MASERs and continuum emission towards two sources that have been proposed in the literature to be high-mass star forming regions: IRAS 19217+1651 and 23151+5912. Our results indicate the presence of disks which can confirm that these regions are high-mass star forming regions.


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