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arXiv · 1202.4802

First Science Observations with SOFIA/FORCAST: 6 TO 37 micron Imaging of Orion BN/KL

James M. De Buizer·Mark R. Morris·E. E. Becklin·Hans Zinnecker·Terry L. Herter·Joseph D. Adams·Ralph Y. Shuping·William D. Vacca
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Abstract

The BN/KL region of the Orion Nebula is the nearest region of high mass star formation in our galaxy. As such, it has been the subject of intense investigation at a variety of wavelengths, which have revealed it to be brightest in the infrared to sub-mm wavelength regime. Using the newly commissioned SOFIA airborne telescope and its 5-40 micron camera FORCAST, images of the entire BN/KL complex have been acquired. The 31.5 and 37.1 micron images represent the highest resolution observations (<=4") ever obtained of this region at these wavelengths. These observations reveal that the BN object is not the dominant brightness source in the complex at wavelengths >31.5 microns, and that this distinction goes instead to the source IRc4. It was determined from these images and derived dust color temperature maps that IRc4 is also likely to be self-luminous. A new source of emission has also been identified at wavelengths >31.5 microns that coincides with the northeastern outflow lobe from the protostellar disk associated with radio source I.

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James M. De Buizer, Mark R. Morris, E. E. Becklin, Hans Zinnecker, Terry L. Herter, Joseph D. Adams, Ralph Y. Shuping, William D. Vacca. 2012-02-22. First Science Observations with SOFIA/FORCAST: 6 TO 37 micron Imaging of Orion BN/KL. https://doi.org/10.1088/2041-8205%2F749%2F2%2Fl23

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