What question did this study set out to answer?

Map the core of the W3 molecular cloud complex at submillimeter wavelengths to determine its mass, density, and physical structure.

October 1, 1983The Astrophysical Journal

Submillimeter observations of W3

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Authors

DJD. T. JaffeThe University of Texas at Austin RHR. H. HildebrandUniversity of Chicago JKJ. KeeneUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst

Discussion

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Implication

Observational mapping reveals massive dense condensations and high extinction in the W3 molecular cloud core, indicating non-equilibrium surrounding embedded young stars.

Key Points

Map the core of the W3 molecular cloud complex at submillimeter wavelengths to determine its mass, density, and physical structure.
Acquired a 35 arcsec resolution continuum map of the core of the W3 cloud complex at 400 microns.
Derived visual extinction, core mass, and peak molecular hydrogen density using submillimeter emission and velocity gradient models.
Identified prominent emission peaks centered near infrared sources IRS 4 and IRS 5, with visual extinction reaching Av = 200 through both peak centers.
Calculated a total core mass of 900 solar masses, consistent with rotational velocity gradients, and a peak molecular hydrogen density of approximately 2.8 × 10^5 cm⁻³.
Excluded the possibility of pressure equilibrium between shell H II regions (W3A–C) and the surrounding cloud, confirming massive gas condensations around the region's youngest stars.

Cite This Study

Jaffe et al. (1983) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a70d20b6ceb2bbd16e00060 https://doi.org/10.1086/184136

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Implication

Observational mapping reveals massive dense condensations and high extinction in the W3 molecular cloud core, indicating non-equilibrium surrounding embedded young stars.

Submillimeter observations of W3

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Submillimeter observations of W3

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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