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Masers: High Resolution Probes of Massive Star Formation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 September 2016

S P Ellingsen
S P Ellingsen*
Affiliation:
School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 37, Hobart 7001, TAS, Australia

Abstract

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Astrophysical masers are one of the most readily detected signposts of high-mass star formation. Their presence indicates special conditions, probably indicative of a specific evolutionary phase. Masers also represent the ultimate high-resolution probe of star formation with the potential to reveal information on the kinematics and physical conditions within the region at milli-arcsecond resolution. To date this potential has largely remained unfulfilled, however, recent advances suggest that this will soon change.

The key to unlocking the potential of masers lies in identifying where they fit within the star formation jigsaw puzzle. I will review recent high resolution observations of OH, water and methanol maser transitions and what they reveal. I also briefly discuss how multi-transition observations of OH and methanol masers are being used to constrain maser pumping models and through this estimate the physical conditions in the masing region.

Type
Part 4: Massive Star Formation
Information
Symposium - International Astronomical Union , Volume 221: Star Formation at High Angular Resolution , 2004 , pp. 133 - 140
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of the Pacific 2004 

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