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arXiv · 1511.02289

VLT/MUSE discovers a jet from the evolved B[e] star MWC 137

A. Mehner·W. J. de Wit·J. H. Groh·R. D. Oudmaijer·D. Baade·T. Rivinius·F. Selman·H. M. J. Boffin·C. Martayan
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Abstract

Not all stars exhibiting the optical spectral characteristics of B[e] stars share the same evolutionary stage. The Galactic B[e] star MWC 137 is a prime example of an object with uncertain classification, with previous work suggesting pre- and post-main sequence classification. Our goal is to settle this debate and provide reliable evolutionary classification. Integral field spectrograph observations with VLT MUSE of the cluster SH 2-266 are used to analyze the nature of MWC 137. A collimated outflow is discovered that is geometrically centered on MWC 137. The central position of MWC 137 in the cluster SH 2-266 within the larger nebula suggests strongly that it is a member of this cluster and that it is both at the origin of the nebula and the newly discovered jet. Comparison of the color-magnitude diagram of the brightest cluster stars with stellar evolutionary models results in a distance of about 5.2$\pm$1.4 kpc. We estimate that the cluster is at least 3 Myr old. The jet extends over 66" (1.7 pc) projected on the plane of the sky, shows several knots, and projected velocities of up to $\pm$450 km s$^{-1}$. From the Balmer emission line decrement of the diffuse intracluster nebulosity we determine E(B-V)=1.4 mag for the inner 1' cluster region. The spectral energy distribution of the brightest cluster stars yield a slightly lower extinction of E(B-V)~1.2 mag. The extinction towards MWC 137 is estimated to be E(B-V)~1.8 mag (A$_V$~5.6 mag). Our analysis of the optical and near-infrared color-magnitude and color-color diagrams suggests a post-main sequence stage of MWC 137. The existence of a jet in this object implies the presence of an accretion disk.

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A. Mehner, W. J. de Wit, J. H. Groh, R. D. Oudmaijer, D. Baade, T. Rivinius, F. Selman, H. M. J. Boffin, C. Martayan. 2015-11-07. VLT/MUSE discovers a jet from the evolved B[e] star MWC 137. https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361%2F201527180

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