The nature of IRAS 19312+1950 revealed using Herschel: A massive YSO with peculiar maser properties

IRAS 19312+1950 is a bright, compact infrared source that has eluded firm characterization since its discovery. The SiO and OH maser properties are indicative of a high mass-loss evolved star, yet the complex chemistry and rising far-infrared SED are more characteristic of the envelope of a young stellar object (YSO). In order to elucidate the physical properties of IRAS 19312+1950, we obtained Herschel PACS and HIFI observations of gas and dust in the range 54-550 micron. Numerous detections of CO and H2O rotational lines were obtained, spanning a broad range of upper-state energy levels and probing different excitation regimes of the source. The PACS maps exhibit a compact, slightly asymmetric continuum source, indicative of a large mass of cool dust, whereas the far-IR CO spectrum reveals the presence of an excited gas component at around 200 K. Our HIFI observations show a complex kinematic structure indicative of a cool circumstellar envelope and fast outflow with a velocity up to 90 km/s along the line of sight. From Spitzer spectroscopy, we identify the presence of ice absorption bands due to H2O at 5.8 micron and CO2 at 15 micron, characteristic of interstellar/protostellar material. Combining the Herschel and Spitzer data with previous continuum measurements, the SED is found to be consistent with a massive, luminous central source surrounded by a dense, warm disk and a dusty envelope with large bipolar outflow cavities. The distinctive infrared SED and far-IR spectral features with broad, Gaussian-like outflow wings strongly suggest that IRAS 19312+1950 should be classified as a rare example of an isolated, accreting high-mass YSO with unusual maser properties, rather than an evolved star. In this presentation, the implications of the unique properties of this source will be discussed, along with our proposed ALMA observations required to confirm the classification of this object.