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26 April 2024 |
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Spatially Resolved Observations of the Galactic Center Source, IRS 21 | | A. Tanner
; A. M. Ghez
; M. Morris
; E. E. Becklin
; A. Cotera
; M. Ressler
; M. Werner
; P. Wizinowich
; | | Date: |
23 Apr 2002 | | Journal: | Astrophys.J. 575 (2002) 860-870 | | Subject: | astro-ph | | Affiliation: | UCLA), A. Cotera (Steward Observatory), M. Ressler, M. Werner (JPL), P. Wizinowich, (W.M. Keck Observatory | | Abstract: | We present diffraction-limited 2-25 micron images obtained with the W. M. Keck 10-m telescopes that spatially resolve the cool source, IRS 21, one of a small group of enigmatic objects in the central parsec of our Galaxy that have eluded classification. Modeled as a Gaussian, the azimuthally-averaged intensity profile of IRS 21 has a half-width half-maximum (HWHM) size of 650+/-80 AU at 2.2 microns and an average HWHM size of 1600+/-200 AU at mid-infrared wavelengths. These large apparent sizes imply an extended distribution of dust. The mid-infrared color map indicates that IRS 21 is a self-luminous source rather than an externally heated dust clump as originally suggested. The spectral energy distribution has distinct near- and mid-infrared components. A simple radiative transfer code, which simultaneously fits the near- and mid- infrared photometry and intensity profiles, supports a model in which the near-infrared radiation is scattered and extincted light from an embedded central source, while the mid-infrared emission is from thermally re-radiating silicate dust. We argue that IRS 21 (and by analogy the other luminous sources along the Northern Arm) is a massive star experiencing rapid mass loss and plowing through the Northern Arm, thereby generating a bow shock, which is spatially resolved in our observations. | | Source: | arXiv, astro-ph/0204372 | | Services: | Forum | Review | PDF | Favorites | |
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