Two bipolar outflows and magnetic fields in the multiple protostar system L1448 IRS 3

Woojin Kwon, Leslie W. Looney, Richard M. Crutcher, Jason M. Kirk

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We present spectral line observations of CO J = 2 → 1, 13COJ = 1 → 0, and C18O J = 1 → 0 and polarimetric observations in the λ = 1.3 mm continuum and in CO J = 2 → 1 toward the multiple protostar system L1448 IRS 3, using the BIMA array. In the λ = 1.3 mm continuum, two sources (IRS 3A and 3B) were clearly detected with estimated envelope masses of 0.21 and 1.15 M, and one source (IRS 3C) was marginally detected with an upper mass limit of 0.03 M. In CO J = 2 → 1, we revealed two outflows originating from IRS 3A and 3B. The masses, mean number densities, momentums, and kinetic energies of outflow lobes were estimated. Based on those estimates and outflow features, we conclude that the two outflows are interacting and that the IRS 3A outflow is nearly perpendicular to the line of sight. In addition, we estimate the velocity, inclination, and opening of the 1RS 3B outflow using Bayesian statistics. Linear polarization was detected in both the λ = 1.3 mm continuum and CO J = 2 → 1. The linear polarization in the continuum shows a magnetic field at the central source (IRS 3B) perpendicular to the outflow direction, and the linear polarization in the CO J -2 → 1 was detected in the outflow regions either parallel or perpendicular to the outflow direction. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss whether the binary system of IRS 3A and 3B is gravitationally bound, based on the velocity differences detected in 13CO J = 1 → 0 and C18 O J = 1 → 0 observations and on the outflow features. The specific angular momentum of the system is estimated as ∼3 × 1020 cm2 s-1, comparable to the values obtained from previous studies of binary stars and molecular cloud cores.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1358-1368
Number of pages11
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume653
Issue number2 I
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 20 2006

Keywords

  • ISM: individual (L1448 IRS 3)
  • Magnetic fields
  • Polarization
  • Stars: winds, outflows

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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