Discovery of an energetic bipolar molecular outflow towards IRAS 16547-4247
Abstract
Aims:We present molecular line observations of the molecular core associated with IRAS 16547-4247, which have allowed us to determine its physical and kinematical properties at angular resolutions of ~18´´.
Methods: The observations were made using the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment Telescope in the J = 3 → 2 transitions of 12CO and 13CO, J = 4 → 3 transitions of HCO+ and H13CO^+, and J = 7 → 6 transition of CS.
Results: Our observations reveal the presence of a collimated bipolar outflow with lobes ~0.7 pc in extent and aligned with the thermal jet located at the center of the core. The morphology and velocity structure of the flow are well described by a biconical outflow that is inclined from the line of sight by an angle of 84°, has a semi-opening angle of 14°, and in which the gas moves outwards with a constant total velocity, with respect to the cone apex, of ~120 km s-1. The outflow is massive and energetic (flow mass ~110 M⊙; mass outflow rate ~2×10-2 M⊙ yr-1; momentum ~2×103 M⊙ km s-1 and kinetic energy ~9× 1047 erg), and has a dynamical time scale of 6×103 yr. These parameters are consistent with the flow being driven by a young massive stellar object with L_bol ∼ 6×104 L⊙.
- Publication:
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Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- February 2007
- DOI:
- 10.1051/0004-6361:20065329
- Bibcode:
- 2007A&A...463..217G
- Keywords:
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- ISM: jets and outflows;
- ISM: molecules;
- stars: formation