The Chemistry of High Mass Star Forming Regions with ''Chemical Differentiation'': Orion KL, W75N, & W3
Abstract
Orion-KL, one of the closest regions of massive star-formation, displays the most well-defined case of ''chemical differentiation'' in interstellar clouds. Here, the emission signatures for oxygen- and nitrogen-bearing organic molecules are spatially distinct. Using CARMA, we have conducted λ=3 mm imaging studies of Orion at beam sizes ranging from 5''-0.5''. These observations are at higher spatial resolution than any previously reported, revealing the relative location of these molecules within the region to high precision, and indicating whether their emission is coincident with continuum sources, shocks, or other energy sources within the Orion-KL complex. These observations targeted transitions of ethyl cyanide [C_2H_5CN], dimethyl ether [(CH_3)_2O], methyl formate [HCOOCH_3], formic acid [HCOOH], acetone [(CH_3)_2CO], and methanol [CH_3OH]. We will present the results of these observations, and discuss the implications of these results on the formation and destruction mechanisms for large organic molecules in star-forming regions. Additionally, we have conducted similar observations of two other high mass star forming regions, that also show signs of ''chemical differentiation'': W75N and W3. These observations were to determine if the results found in Orion were unique or more common across sources that show ''chemical differentiation''. The results of these observations will also be presented.
- Publication:
-
The Molecular Universe
- Pub Date:
- May 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011IAUS..280P.163F