A multi-scale exploration of a massive young stellar object. A transition disk around G305.20+0.21?

Context. The rarity of young massive stars combined with the fact that they are often deeply embedded has limited the understanding of the formation of stars larger than 8 M_⊙. Ground based mid-infrared (IR) interferometry is one way of securing the spatial resolution required to probe the circumstellar environments of massive young stellar objects (MYSOs). Given that the spatial-frequency coverage of such observations is often incomplete, direct-imaging can be supplementary to such a dataset. By consolidating these observations with modelling, the features of a massive protostellar environment can be constrained.
Aims: This paper aims to detail the physical characteristics of the protostellar environment of the MYSO G305.20+0.21 at three size-scales by fitting one 2.5D radiative transfer model to three different types of observations simultaneously, providing an extensive view of the accreting regions of the MYSO.
Methods: Interferometry, imaging and a multi-wavelength spectral energy distribution (SED) are combined to study G305.20+0.21. The high-resolution observations were obtained using the Very Large Telescope's MIDI and VISIR instruments, producing visibilities in the N-band and near-diffraction-limited imaging in the Q-band respectively. By fitting simulated observables, derived from the radiative transfer model, to our observations the properties of the MYSO are constrained.
Results: The VISIR image shows elongation at 100 mas scales and also displays a degree of asymmetry. From the simulated observables derived from the radiative transfer model output we find that a central protostar with a luminosity of 5 × 10⁴ L_⊙ surrounded by a low-density bipolar cavity, a flared 1 M_⊙ disk and an envelope is sufficient to fit all three types of observational data for G305.20+0.21. The weak silicate absorption feature within the SED requires low-density envelope cavities to be successfully fit and is an atypical characteristic in comparison to previously studied MYSOs.
Conclusions: The fact that the presence of a dusty disk provides the best fit to the MIDI visibilities implies that this MYSO is following a scaled-up version of the low-mass star formation process. The low density, low extinction environment implies the object is a more evolved MYSO and this combined with large inner radius of the disk suggests that it could be an example of a transitional disk around an MYSO.

Based on observations made with ESO Telescopes at the Paranal Observatory under programme IDs 097.C-0320, 75.C-0755 and 74.C-0389.