none

NRAO/Socorro Colloquium Series

Jose-Maria Torrelles

CSIC

Short-lived Pulsed Outflow Events in Massive Protostars

VLBI multi-epoch water maser observations are a powerful tool to study the dense, warm shocked gas very close to massive protostars. The very high-angular resolution of these observations allow us to measure the proper motions of the masers in a few weeks, and together with the radial velocity, to determine their full kinematics. In this talk we present a summary of the main VLBA observational results obtained by our group during the last ten years toward the massive star-forming regions of Cepheus A, W75N, and AFGL 2591, among them: (i) the identification of different centers of high-mass star formation activity at scales of 100 AU, unknown previously; and (ii) the discovery of new phenomena associated with the early stages of high-mass protostellar evolution. For example, the identification of the simultaneous presence of a wide-angle outflow and a highly collimated jet in a massive object, similar to what is observed in some low-mass protostars, and the short-lived outflow events that seem to be characteristic of the first stages of evolution of massive protostars. Some of the important implications of these results in the study of high-mass star formation are discussed.

June 28, 2013
11:00 am

Array Operations Center Auditorium

All NRAO employees are invited to attend via video, available in Charlottesville Auditorium, Green Bank Auditorium and Tucson N525.

Local Host: Juergen Ott

Connect with NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.