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At least 325 records · Page 18

A cautionary note about composite galactic star formation relations

We explore the pitfalls that affect the comparison of the star formation relation for nearby molecular clouds with that for distant compact molecular clumps. We show that both relations behave differently in the (Σ{sub gas}, Σ{sub SFR}) space, where Σ{sub gas} and Σ{sub SFR} are, respectively, the gas and star formation rate surface densities, even when the physics of star formation is the same. This is because the star formation relation of nearby clouds relates the gas and star surface densities measured locally, that is, within a given interval of gas surface density, or at a given protostar location. We refer to such measurements as local measurements, and the corresponding star formation relation as the local relation. In contrast, the stellar content of a distant molecular clump remains unresolved. Only the mean star formation rate can be obtained, e.g., from the clump infrared luminosity. One clump therefore provides one single point to the (Σ{sub gas}, Σ{sub SFR}) space, that is, its mean gas surface density and star formation rate surface density. We refer to this star formation relation as a global relation since it builds on the global properties of molecular clumps. Its definition therefore requires an ensemble of cluster-forming clumps. We show that although the local and global relations have different slopes, this cannot per se be taken as evidence for a change in the physics of star formation with gas surface density. It therefore appears that great caution should be taken when physically interpreting a composite star formation relation, that is, a relation combining local and global relations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

THE JCMT GOULD BELT SURVEY: EVIDENCE FOR DUST GRAIN EVOLUTION IN PERSEUS STAR-FORMING CLUMPS

The dust emissivity spectral index, β , is a critical parameter for deriving the mass and temperature of star-forming structures and, consequently, their gravitational stability. The β value is dependent on various dust grain properties, such as size, porosity, and surface composition, and is expected to vary as dust grains evolve. Here we present β , dust temperature, and optical depth maps of the star-forming clumps in the Perseus Molecular Cloud determined from fitting spectral energy distributions to combined Herschel and JCMT observations in the 160, 250, 350, 500, and 850 μ m bands. Most of the derived β and dust temperature values fall within the ranges of 1.0–2.7 and 8–20 K, respectively. In Perseus, we find the β distribution differs significantly from clump to clump, indicative of grain growth. Furthermore, we also see significant localized β variations within individual clumps and find low- β regions correlate with local temperature peaks, hinting at the possible origins of low- β grains. Throughout Perseus, we also see indications of heating from B stars and embedded protostars, as well evidence of outflows shaping the local landscape.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

A protostellar jet emanating from a hypercompact H {sub II} region

We present radio continuum observations of the high-mass young stellar object (HMYSO) G345.4938+01.4677 obtained using the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) at 5, 9, 17, and 19 GHz. These observations provide definite evidence that the outer and inner pairs of radio lobes consist of shock-ionized material being excited by an underlying collimated and fast protostellar jet emanating from a hypercompact H ii region. By comparing with images taken 6 years earlier at 5 and 9 GHz using the same telescope, we assess the proper motions (PMs) of the radio sources. The outer west and east lobes exhibit PMs of 64 ± 12 and 48 ± 13 mas yr{sup −1}, indicating velocities projected in the plane of the sky and receding from G345.4938+01.4677 of 520 and 390 km s{sup −1}, respectively. The internal radio lobes also display PM signals consistently receding from the HMYSO with magnitudes of 17 ± 11 and 35 ± 10 mas yr{sup −1} for the inner west and east lobes, respectively. The morphology of the outer west lobe is that of a detached bow shock. At 17 and 19 GHz, the outer east lobe displays an arcuate morphology also suggesting a bow shock. These results show that disk accretion and jet acceleration—possibly occurring in a very similar way compared with low-mass protostars—is taking place in G345.4938+01.4677 despite the presence of ionizing radiation and the associated hypercompact H ii region.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

A CENSUS OF YOUNG STARS AND BROWN DWARFS IN IC 348 AND NGC 1333

We have obtained optical and near-infrared spectra of candidate members of the star-forming clusters IC 348 and NGC 1333. We classify 100 and 42 candidates as new members of the clusters, respectively, which brings the total numbers of known members to 478 and 203. We also have performed spectroscopy on a large majority of the previously known members of NGC 1333 in order to provide spectral classifications that are measured with the same scheme that has been applied to IC 348 in previous studies. The new census of members is nearly complete for K {sub s}< 16.8 at A {sub J}< 1.5 in IC 348 and for K {sub s}< 16.2 at A {sub J}< 3 in NGC 1333, which correspond to masses of ≳0.01 M {sub ⊙} for ages of 3 Myr according to theoretical evolutionary models. The faintest known members extend below these completeness limits and appear to have masses of ∼0.005 M {sub ⊙}. In extinction-limited samples of cluster members, NGC 1333 exhibits a higher abundance of objects at lower masses than IC 348. It would be surprising if the initial mass functions of these clusters differ significantly given their similar stellar densities and formation environments. Instead, it is possible that average extinctions are lower for less massive members of star-forming clusters, in which case extinction-limited samples could be biased in favor of low-mass objects in the more heavily embedded clusters like NGC 1333. In the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram, the median sequences of IC 348 and NGC 1333 coincide with each other for the adopted distances of 300 and 235 pc, which would suggest that they have similar ages. However, NGC 1333 is widely believed to be younger than IC 348 based on its higher abundance of disks and protostars and its greater obscuration. Errors in the adopted distances may be responsible for this discrepancy.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

THE DETECTION OF A HOT MOLECULAR CORE IN THE LARGE MAGELLANIC CLOUD WITH ALMA

We report the first detection of a hot molecular core outside our Galaxy based on radio observations with ALMA toward a high-mass young stellar object (YSO) in a nearby low metallicity galaxy, the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). Molecular emission lines of CO, C{sup 17}O, HCO{sup +}, H{sup 13}CO{sup +}, H{sub 2}CO, NO, SiO, H{sub 2}CS, {sup 33}SO, {sup 32}SO{sub 2}, {sup 34}SO{sub 2}, and {sup 33}SO{sub 2} are detected from a compact region (∼0.1 pc) associated with a high-mass YSO, ST11. The temperature of molecular gas is estimated to be higher than 100 K based on rotation diagram analysis of SO{sub 2} and {sup 34}SO{sub 2} lines. The compact source size, warm gas temperature, high density, and rich molecular lines around a high-mass protostar suggest that ST11 is associated with a hot molecular core. We find that the molecular abundances of the LMC hot core are significantly different from those of Galactic hot cores. The abundances of CH{sub 3}OH, H{sub 2}CO, and HNCO are remarkably lower compared to Galactic hot cores by at least 1–3 orders of magnitude. We suggest that these abundances are characterized by the deficiency of molecules whose formation requires the hydrogenation of CO on grain surfaces. In contrast, NO shows a high abundance in ST11 despite the notably low abundance of nitrogen in the LMC. A multitude of SO{sub 2} and its isotopologue line detections in ST11 imply that SO{sub 2} can be a key molecular tracer of hot core chemistry in metal-poor environments. Furthermore, we find molecular outflows around the hot core, which is the second detection of an extragalactic protostellar outflow. In this paper, we discuss the physical and chemical characteristics of a hot molecular core in the low metallicity environment.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Mid-J CO shock tracing observations of infrared dark clouds. III. Sled fitting

Giant molecular clouds contain supersonic turbulence that can locally heat small fractions of gas to over 100 K. We run shock models for low-velocity, C-type shocks propagating into gas with densities between 10{sup 3} and 10{sup 5} cm{sup −3} and find that CO lines are the most important cooling lines. Comparison to photodissociation region (PDR) models indicates that mid-J CO lines (J = 8 → 7 and higher) should be dominated by emission from shocked gas. In Papers I and II we presented CO J = 3 → 2, 8 → 7, and 9 → 8 observations toward four primarily quiescent clumps within infrared dark clouds. Here we fit PDR models to the combined spectral line energy distributions and show that the PDR models that best fit the low-J CO emission underpredict the mid-J CO emission by orders of magnitude, strongly hinting at a hot gas component within these clumps. The low-J CO data clearly show that the integrated intensities of both the CO J = 8 → 7 and 9 → 8 lines are anomalously high, such that the line ratio can be used to characterize the hot gas component. Shock models are reasonably consistent with the observed mid-J CO emission, with models with densities near 10{sup 4.5} cm{sup −3} providing the best agreement. Where this mid-J CO is detected, the mean volume filling factor of the hot gas is 0.1%. Much of the observed mid-J CO emission, however, is also associated with known protostars and may be due to protostellar feedback.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

STAR FORMATION AND FEEDBACK: A MOLECULAR OUTFLOW–PRESTELLAR CORE INTERACTION IN L1689N

We present Herschel ,{sup 11} ALMA Compact Array (ACA), and Caltech Submillimeter Observatory observations of the prestellar core in L1689N, which has been suggested to be interacting with a molecular outflow driven by the nearby solar-type protostar IRAS 16293-2422. This source is characterized by some of the highest deuteration levels observed in the interstellar medium. The change in the NH{sub 2}D line velocity and width across the core provides clear evidence of an interaction with the outflow, traced by the high-velocity water emission. Quiescent, cold gas characterized by narrow line widths is seen in the NE part of the core, while broader, more disturbed line profiles are seen in the W/SW part. Strong N{sub 2}D{sup +} and ND{sub 3} emission is detected with ACA extending S/SW from the peak of the single-dish NH{sub 2}D emission. The ACA data also reveal the presence a compact dust continuum source with a mean size of ∼1100 au, a central density of (1–2) × 10{sup 7} cm{sup −3}, and a mass of 0.2–0.4 M {sub ⊙}. The dust emission peak is displaced ∼5″ to the south with respect to the N{sub 2}D{sup +} and ND{sub 3} emission, as well as the single-dish dust continuum peak, suggesting that the northern, quiescent part of the core is characterized by spatially extended continuum emission, which is resolved out by the interferometer. We see no clear evidence of fragmentation in this quiescent part of the core, which could lead to a second generation of star formation, although a weak dust continuum source is detected in this region in the ACA data.

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ON THE NATURE OF THE ENIGMATIC OBJECT IRAS 19312+1950: A RARE PHASE OF MASSIVE STAR FORMATION?

IRAS 19312+1950 is a peculiar object that has eluded firm characterization since its discovery, with combined maser properties similar to an evolved star and a young stellar object (YSO). To help determine its true nature, we obtained infrared spectra of IRAS 19312+1950 in the range 5–550 μ m using the Herschel and Spitzer space observatories. The Herschel PACS maps exhibit a compact, slightly asymmetric continuum source at 170 μ m, indicative of a large, dusty circumstellar envelope. The far-IR CO emission line spectrum reveals two gas temperature components: ≈0.22 M {sub ⊙} of material at 280 ± 18 K, and ≈1.6 M {sub ⊙} of material at 157 ± 3 K. The O i 63 μ m line is detected on-source but no significant emission from atomic ions was found. The HIFI observations display shocked, high-velocity gas with outflow speeds up to 90 km s{sup −1} along the line of sight. From Spitzer spectroscopy, we identify ice absorption bands due to H{sub 2}O at 5.8 μ m and CO{sub 2} at 15 μ m. The spectral energy distribution is consistent with a massive, luminous (∼2 × 10{sup 4} L {sub ⊙}) central source surrounded by a dense, warm circumstellar disk and envelope of total mass ∼500–700 M {sub ⊙}, with large bipolar outflow cavities. The combination of distinctive far-IR spectral features suggest that IRAS 19312+1950 should be classified as an accreting, high-mass YSO rather than an evolved star. In light of this reclassification, IRAS 19312+1950 becomes only the fifth high-mass protostar known to exhibit SiO maser activity, and demonstrates that 18 cm OH maser line ratios may not be reliable observational discriminators between evolved stars and YSOs.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Outflow detection in a 70 μm dark high-mass core

We present observations toward a high-mass (>40 M{sub ⊙}), low-luminosity (<10 L{sub ⊙}) 70 μm dark molecular core G28.34 S-A at 3.4 mm, using the IRAM 30 m telescope and the NOEMA interferometer. We report the detection of SiO J=2→1 line emission, which is spatially resolved in this source at a linear resolution of ∼0.1 pc, while the 3.4 mm continuum image does not resolve any internal sub-structures. The SiO emission exhibits two W–E oriented lobes centering on the continuum peak. Corresponding to the redshifted and blueshifted gas with velocities up to 40 km s{sup −1} relative to the quiescent cloud, these lobes clearly indicate the presence of a strong bipolar outflow from this 70 μm dark core, a source previously considered as one of the best candidates of “starless” core. Our SiO detection is consistent with ALMA archival data of SiO J=5→4, whose high-velocity blueshifted gas reveals a more compact lobe spatially closer to the dust center. This outflow indicates that the central source may be in an early evolutionary stage of forming a high-mass protostar. We also find that the low-velocity components (in the range of Vlsr{sub −5}{sup +3} km s{sup −1}) have an extended, NW–SE oriented distribution. Discussing the possible accretion scenarios of the outflow-powering young stellar object, we argue that molecular line emission and the molecular outflows may provide a better indication of the accretion history of the forming young stellar object, than snapshot observations of the present bolometric luminosity. This is particularly significant for cases of episodic accretion, which may occur during the collapse of the parent molecular core.

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Imaging the photoevaporating disk and radio jet of GM Aur

Photoevaporation is probably the main agent for gas dispersal during the last stages of protoplanetary disk evolution. However, the overall mass-loss rate in the photoevaporative wind and its driving mechanism are still not well understood. Here we report multi-configuration Very Large Array observations at 0.7, 3, and 5 cm toward the transitional disk of GM Aur. Our radio continuum observations allow us to image and spatially resolve, for the first time, the three main components at work in this stage of the disk evolution: the disk of dust, the ionized radio jet perpendicular to it, and the photoevaporative wind arising from the disk. The mass-loss rate inferred from the flux density of the radio jet is consistent with the ratio between ejection and accretion rates found in younger objects, suggesting that transitional disks can power collimated ejections of material apparently following the same physical mechanisms as much younger protostars. Our results indicate that extreme-UV (EUV) radiation is the main ionizing mechanism of the photoevaporative wind traced by the free–free emission. The required low EUV photon luminosity of ∼6 × 10{sup 40} s{sup −1} would produce a photoevaporation rate of only M-dot {sub w,EUV}≃1.3×10{sup −10} M{sub ⊙} yr{sup −1}. Therefore, other mechanisms are required to disperse the disk in the timescale imposed by observations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Carma Large Area Star Formation Survey: dense gas in the young l1451 region of Perseus

We present a 3 mm spectral line and continuum survey of L1451 in the Perseus Molecular Cloud. These observations are from the CARMA Large Area Star Formation Survey (CLASSy), which also imaged Barnard 1, NGC 1333, Serpens Main, and Serpens South. L1451 is the survey region with the lowest level of star formation activity—it contains no confirmed protostars. HCO{sup +}, HCN, and N{sub 2}H{sup +} (J=1→0) are all detected throughout the region, with HCO{sup +} being the most spatially widespread, and molecular emission seen toward 90% of the area above N(H{sub 2}) column densities of 1.9 × 10{sup 21} cm{sup −2}. HCO{sup +} has the broadest velocity dispersion, near 0.3 km s{sup −1} on average, compared with ∼0.15 km s{sup −1} for the other molecules, thus representing a range of subsonic to supersonic gas motions. Our non-binary dendrogram analysis reveals that the dense gas traced by each molecule has a similar hierarchical structure, and that gas surrounding the candidate first hydrostatic core (FHSC), L1451-mm, and other previously detected single-dish continuum clumps has similar hierarchical structure; this suggests that different subregions of L1451 are fragmenting on the pathway to forming young stars. We determined that the three-dimensional morphology of the largest detectable dense-gas structures was relatively ellipsoidal compared with other CLASSy regions, which appeared more flattened at the largest scales. A virial analysis shows that the most centrally condensed dust structures are likely unstable against collapse. Additionally, we identify a new spherical, centrally condensed N{sub 2}H{sup +} feature that could be a new FHSC candidate. The overall results suggest that L1451 is a young region starting to form its generation of stars within turbulent, hierarchical structures.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Discovery of infalling motion with rotation of the cluster-forming clump S235AB and its implication to the clump structures

We report the discovery of infalling motion with the rotation of S235AB, a massive cluster-forming clump (∼1×10{sup 3} M{sub ⊙}) in the S235 region. Our C{sup 18}O observations with the 45 m telescope at the Nobeyama Radio Observatory have revealed an elliptical shape of the clump. A position–velocity diagram taken along its major axis exhibits two well-defined peaks symmetrically located, with respect to the clump center. This is similar to that found for a dynamically infalling envelope with rotation around a single protostar, modeled by N. Ohashi et al., indicating that the cluster-forming clump is also collapsing by the self-gravity toward the clump center. With analogue to Ohashi et al.'s model, we made a simple model of an infalling, rotating clump to fit the observed data. Based on the inferred model parameters, as well as results of earlier observations and simulations in the literature, we discuss the structures of the clump such as the relation among the global mass infall rate (∼1×10{sup −3} M{sub ⊙} yr{sup −1}), formation of a compact core (with a mass and size of ∼4 M{sub ⊙} and ≲ 0.1 pc) at the center, and a massive star (∼11 M{sub ⊙}) forming in the core.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

THE YOUNG STELLAR POPULATION OF LYNDS 1340. AN INFRARED VIEW

We present results of an infrared study of the molecular cloud Lynds 1340, forming three groups of low- and intermediate-mass stars. Our goals are to identify and characterize the young stellar population of the cloud, study the relationships between the properties of the cloud and the emergent stellar groups, and integrate L1340 into the picture of the star-forming activity of our Galactic environment. We selected candidate young stellar objects (YSOs) from the Spitzer and WISE databases using various published color criteria and classified them based on the slope of the spectral energy distribution (SED). We identified 170 Class II, 27 flat SED, and 45 Class 0/I sources. High angular resolution near-infrared observations of the RNO 7 cluster, embedded in L1340, revealed eight new young stars of near-infrared excess. The surface density distribution of YSOs shows three groups, associated with the three major molecular clumps of L1340, each consisting of ≲100 members, including both pre-main-sequence stars and embedded protostars. New Herbig–Haro objects were identified in the Spitzer images. Our results demonstrate that L1340 is a prolific star-forming region of our Galactic environment in which several specific properties of the intermediate-mass mode of star formation can be studied in detail.

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Widening of Protostellar Outflows: An Infrared Outflow Survey in Low-luminosity Objects

We present an outflow survey toward 20 low-luminosity objects (LLOs), namely, protostars with an internal luminosity lower than 0.2 L{sub ⊙}. Although a number of studies have reported the properties of individual LLOs, the reasons for their low luminosity remain uncertain. To answer this question, we need to know the evolutionary status of LLOs. Protostellar outflows are found to widen as their parent cores evolve, and therefore the outflow opening angle could be used as an evolutionary indicator. The infrared scattered light escapes out through the outflow cavity and highlights the cavity wall, giving us the opportunity to measure the outflow opening angle. Using the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope, we detected outflows toward eight LLOs out of 20 at K{sub s} band, and based on archival Spitzer IRAC1 images, we added four outflow-driving sources from the remaining 12 sources. By fitting these images with radiative transfer models, we derive the outflow opening angles and inclination angles. To study the widening of outflow cavities, we compare our sample with the young stellar objects from Arce and Sargent and Velusamy et al. in a plot of opening angle versus bolometric temperature taken as an evolutionary indicator. Our LLO targets match well the trend of increasing opening angle with bolometric temperature reported by Arce and Sargent and are broadly consistent with that reported by Velusamy et al., suggesting that the opening angle could be a good evolutionary indicator for LLOs. Accordingly, we conclude that at least 40% of the outflow-driving LLOs in our sample are young Class 0 objects.

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Understanding Formation of Young, Distributed Low-mass Stars and Clusters in the W4 Cloud Complex

It is well known that most of the stars form in rich clusters. However, recent Spitzer observations have shown that a significant number of stars also form in the distributed mode; their origin is not well understood. In this work, we aim to investigate clustered and distributed modes of star formation in the W4 complex. To do so, we identified and characterized the young stellar population associated with the region using homogeneous infrared data sets obtained from the Two Micron All Sky Survey, GLIMPSE, MIPS, and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer surveys. We make stellar surface density and minimum spanning tree maps to identify young clusters, and use Spitzer images to identify irradiated structures, such as elephant-trunk-like structures (ETLSs) and pillars in the region. The surface density distribution of the young stellar objects (YSOs) reveals three new clusterings and ~50% distributed protostars in the H ii region. The clusters are of low-mass nature but significantly younger than the central cluster IC 1805. We identified ~ 38 ETLSs in the region, a majority of which consist of one or a few stars at their tips. We find that these stars are low-mass (<2 M {sub ⊙}) YSOs, located at the outskirts (>17 pc) of the cluster IC 1805 and are part of the scattered distributed population. We argued that the star formation in the ETLSs of W4 is going on possibly due to the triggering effect of the expanding W4 bubble. Although high-resolution photometric and spectroscopic data would be required to confirm the scenario, nonetheless, we discuss the implications of this scenario for our understanding of distributed low-mass star formation in cloud complexes as opposed to other mechanisms such as turbulent fragmentation and dynamical ejection.

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Understanding the Angular Momentum Evolution of T Tauri and Herbig Ae/Be Stars

We investigate a sample of six Herbig Ae/Be stars belonging to the Orion OB1 association, as well as 73 low-mass objects, members of the σ Orionis cluster, in order to explore the angular momentum evolution at early stages of evolution, and its possible connection with main-sequence Ap/Bp magnetic stars. Using FIES and HECTOCHELLE spectra, we obtain projected rotational velocities through two independent methods. Individual masses, radii, and ages are computed using evolutionary models, distance, and cluster extinction. Under the assumption that similar physical processes operate in both T Tauri and Herbig Ae/Be stars, we construct snapshots of the protostar’s rotation against mass during the first 10 Myr with the aid of a rotational model that includes a variable disk lifetime, changes in the stellar moment of inertia, a dipolar magnetic field with variable strength, and angular momentum loss through stellar winds powered by accretion. We use these snapshots, as well as the rotational data, to infer a plausible scenario for the angular momentum evolution. We find that magnetic field strengths of a few kilo-Gauss at 3 Myr are required to match the rotational velocities of both groups of stars. Models with masses between 2 M {sub ⊙} and 3 M {sub ⊙} display larger angular momentum values by a factor of ~3, in comparison to stars of similar spectral types on the main sequence. Even though some quantitative estimates on this dramatic decrease with age for Ap/Bp magnetic main-sequence stars are presented, the results obtained for the angular momentum evolution do not explain their low rotation rates.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

CHEMISTRY IN A FORMING PROTOPLANETARY DISK: MAIN ACCRETION PHASE

We investigate the chemistry in a radiation-hydrodynamics model of a star-forming core that evolves from a cold (∼10 K) prestellar core to the main accretion phase in ∼10{sup 5} years. A rotationally supported gravitationally unstable disk is formed around a protostar. We extract the temporal variation of physical parameters in ∼1.5 × 10{sup 3} SPH particles that end up in the disk, and perform post-processing calculations of the gas-grain chemistry adopting a three-phase model. Inside the disk, the SPH particles migrate both inward and outward. Since a significant fraction of volatiles such as CO can be trapped in the water-dominant ice in the three-phase model, the ice mantle composition depends not only on the current position in the disk, but also on whether the dust grain has ever experienced higher temperatures than the water sublimation temperature. Stable molecules such as H{sub 2}O, CH{sub 4}, NH{sub 3}, and CH{sub 3}OH are already abundant at the onset of gravitational collapse and are simply sublimated as the fluid parcels migrate inside the water snow line. On the other hand, various molecules such as carbon chains and complex organic molecules (COMs) are formed in the disk. The COMs abundance sensitively depends on the outcomes of photodissociation and diffusion rates of photofragments in bulk ice mantle. As for S-bearing species, H{sub 2}S ice is abundant in the collapse phase. In the warm regions in the disk, H{sub 2}S is sublimated to be destroyed, while SO, H{sub 2}CS, OCS, and SO{sub 2} become abundant.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

EVIDENCE FOR CLUSTER TO CLUSTER VARIATIONS IN LOW-MASS STELLAR ROTATIONAL EVOLUTION

The concordance model for angular momentum evolution postulates that star-forming regions and clusters are an evolutionary sequence that can be modeled with assumptions about protostar–disk coupling, angular momentum loss from magnetized winds that saturates in a mass-dependent fashion at high rotation rates, and core-envelope decoupling for solar analogs. We test this approach by combining established data with the large h Per data set from the MONITOR project and new low-mass Pleiades data. We confirm prior results that young low-mass stars can be used to test star–disk coupling and angular momentum loss independent of the treatment of internal angular momentum transport. For slow rotators, we confirm the need for star–disk interactions to evolve the ONC to older systems, using h Per (age 13 Myr) as our natural post-disk case. There is no evidence for extremely long-lived disks as an alternative to core-envelope decoupling. However, our wind models cannot evolve rapid rotators from h Per to older systems consistently, and we find that this result is robust with respect to the choice of angular momentum loss prescription. We outline two possible solutions: either there is cosmic variance in the distribution of stellar rotation rates in different clusters or there are substantially enhanced torques in low-mass rapid rotators. We favor the former explanation and discuss observational tests that could be used to distinguish them. If the distribution of initial conditions depends on environment, models that test parameters by assuming a universal underlying distribution of initial conditions will need to be re-evaluated.

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