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Radio observations of candidate massive YSOs in the southern hemisphere

Urquhart, J.S., Busfield, A.L., Hoare, Melvin G., Lumsden, Stuart L., Clarke, A.J., Moore, Toby J.T., Mottram, Joseph C., Oudmaijer, Rene D. (2007) Radio observations of candidate massive YSOs in the southern hemisphere. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 461 (1). pp. 11-23. ISSN 0004-6361. (doi:10.1051/0004-6361:20065837) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:52245)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://www.dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20065837

Abstract

Context.The Red MSX Source (RMS) survey is a multi-wavelength programme of follow-up observations designed to distinguish between genuine massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) and other embedded or dusty objects, such as ultra compact (UC) HII regions, evolved stars and planetary nebulae (PNe). We have identified nearly 2000 MYSOs candidates by comparing the colours of MSX and 2MASS point sources to those of known MYSOs.

Aims.There are several other types of embedded or dust enshrouded objects that have similar colours as MYSOs and contaminate our sample. Two sources of contamination are from UCHII regions and PNe, both of which can be identified from the radio emission emitted by their ionised nebulae.

Methods.In order to identify UCHII regions and PNe that contaminate our sample we have conducted high resolution radio continuum observations at 3.6 and 6 cm of all southern MYSOs candidates ( $235\degr< l < 350\degr$) using the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA). These observations have a spatial resolution of ~1-2´´ and typical image rms noise values of ~0.3 mJy - sensitive enough to detect a HII region powered by B0.5 star at the far side of the Galaxy.

Results.Of the 826 RMS sources observed we found 199 to be associated with radio emission, ~25% of the sample. The Galactic distribution, morphologies and spectral indices of the radio sources associated with the RMS sources are consistent with these sources being UCHII regions. Importantly, the 627 RMS sources for which no radio emission was detected are still potential MYSOs. In addition to the 802 RMS fields observed we present observations of a further 190 fields. These observations were made towards MSX sources that passed cuts in earlier versions of the survey, but were later excluded.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1051/0004-6361:20065837
Uncontrolled keywords: radio continuum, stars, formation, early-type, pre-main sequence
Subjects: Q Science > QB Astronomy > QB460 Astrophysics
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Physics and Astronomy
Depositing User: James Urquhart
Date Deposited: 30 Nov 2015 16:45 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:21 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/52245 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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