Zooming in to Massive Star Birth
Journal article, 2018

We present high-resolution (0 2, 1000 au) 1.3 mm ALMA observations of the massive infrared dark cloud clump, G028.37+00.07-C1, thought to harbor the early stages of massive star formation. Using N2D +(3-2), we resolve the previously identified C1-S core, separating the bulk of its emission from two nearby protostellar sources. C1-S is thus identified as a massive (∼50M⊙), compact (∼0.1 pc diameter) starless core, e.g., with no signs of outflow activity. Being highly deuterated, this is a promising candidate for a pre-stellar core on the verge of collapse. An analysis of its dynamical state indicates a sub-virial velocity dispersion compared to a trans-Alfvenic turbulent core model. However, virial equilibrium could be achieved with sub-Alfvenic conditions involving magnetic field strengths of ∼2 mG.

ISM: kinematics and dynamics

stars: formation

ISM: magnetic fields

stars: massive

stars: protostars

ISM: jets and outflows

Author

Shuo Kong

Yale University

Jonathan Tan

Chalmers, Space, Earth and Environment, Astronomy and Plasmaphysics

University of Virginia

P. Caselli

Max Planck Society

Francesco Fontani

Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory

Ke Wang

European Southern Observatory (ESO)

Michael J. Butler

Max Planck Society

Astrophysical Journal

0004-637X (ISSN) 1538-4357 (eISSN)

Vol. 867 2 94

Subject Categories

Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences

Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology

Atom and Molecular Physics and Optics

DOI

10.3847/1538-4357/aae1b2

More information

Latest update

5/7/2019 9