Early Star Formation Traced by Water Masers

In this study, the correlation between 22 GHz water masers and other maser species with far infrared/submillimeter (FIR/sub-mm) sources is investigated. Comparing luminosity to mass ratio ( L / M ) of FIR/sub-mm clumps linked to different maser species, 22 GHz water masers have significantly lower L / M values than 6.7 GHz methanol and 1665 MHz OH masers. This suggests 22 GHz water masers may precede them in the evolution timeline of SFRs. The close association between water masers and FIR/sub-mm sources provides insight into maser pumping conditions and evolutionary stages.