arXiv subjects

A. Petriella

Publications and source records attributed to A. Petriella.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Exploring the chemical evolution in hot molecular cores

We present preliminary results of an extensive research project aimed at describing the physical and chemical conditions of hot molecular cores (HMCs). Using millimeter continuum and spectroscopic data extracted from the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) archive, we have estimated rotational temperatures ($\rm T_{rot}$) and column densities of $\rm{CH_{3}CN}$, $\rm{CH_{3}CCH}$, and A-- and E--$\rm CH_{3}OH$ for a sample of molecular cores. We present a thermal characterization of these cores, revealing the existence of temperature gradients within them. These cores are, in turn, embedded in large molecular clouds. Additionally, we estimated molecular abundances that were evaluated as tracers of the chemical evolution of these cores. Finally, in a pilot study aimed to link observations with simulations, some of the obtained molecular abundances are compared with predictions from the Nautilus code.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

Revisiting G29.862-0.0044: a jet cavity disrupted by an outflow in a likely young stellar object wide binary system

A few years ago, we investigated MYSO G29.862-0.0044 (YSO-G29), an intriguing star-forming region at a distance of 6.2 kpc. Although the typical disc-jet scenario was proposed to explain the observations, it remained far from conclusive. YSO-G29 was analysed using new observations at near-IR from Gemini-NIFS, at radio continuum (10 GHz) from Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA), and new continuum (1.3 mm) and molecular line data from the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA). The near-IR observations allowed us to detect emission of H2 1-0 S(1) and Br-gamma lines in YSO-G29, which are compatible with excitation and ionization from UV radiation propagating in a highly perturbed ambient. In addition, some evidence of H2 excitation by collisions were found. The ALMA data show the presence of a conspicuous and collimated molecular outflow propagating southwards, while to the north, an extended molecular feature perfectly surrounded by the Ks near-IR emission appears. The continuum emission at 1.3 mm allowed us to better resolve the molecular cores, one of which stands out due to its high temperatures and rich chemical composition. From the JVLA observations, we discovered a compact radio continuum source, a likely compact Hii region or an ionised jet of a massive protostar, located at ~0.7 arcsec (~ 0.02 pc) from the main millimetre core. In this way, we propose a YSO wide binary system. {We can explain the nature of the intriguing near-IR features previously observed: cone-like structures produced by jets/winds of one of the components of the binary system that cleared out the surroundings were disrupted by a molecular outflow probably from the other component. These results complete the picture of what is happening in YSO-G29, and reveal a phenomenon that should be considered when investigating massive star-forming regions.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2024

Sulfur-bearing molecules in a sample of early star-forming cores

The sulfur content in dense molecular regions of the interstellar medium is highly depleted in comparison to diffuse clouds. The reason of this phenomenon is unclear, thus it is necessary to carry out observational studies of sulfur-bearing species towards dense regions, mainly at early evolutive stages to uncover the early sulfur chemistry. Using data from the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) data archive, we investigated a sample of 37 dense cores embedded in the most massive infrared-quiet molecular clumps from the ATLASGAL survey. Lines of 34SO, SO2, NS, SO, SO+, and H2CS were analyzed and column densities of each molecular species were obtained. From the continuum emission, and two CH3OH lines, the 37 cores were characterized in density and temperature, and the corresponding H2 column densities were derived. The abundances of such sulfur-bearing species were derived and studied. We find that the abundances of the analyzed species increase with the growth of the gas temperature, suggesting that the chemistry involved in the formation of each of the analyzed molecule may have a similar dependence with Tk in the range 20 to 100 K. We find that the comparisons among abundances are, in general, highly correlated. Given that such correlation decreases in more evolved sources, we suggest that the sulfur-bearing species here analyzed should have a similar chemical origin. From the measured line widths we point out that molecules with oxygen content (34SO, SO2, SO, and SO+) may be associated with warmer and more turbulent gas than the other ones. H2CS and NS are associated with more quiescent gas, probably in the external envelopes of the cores. This work gives quantitative information about abundances that could be useful in chemical models pointing to explain the sulfur chemistry in the interstellar medium.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2024

A comprehensive analysis toward the Fermi-LAT source 4FGL J1846.9-0227: Jets of a proto-planetary nebula producing gamma-rays?

Most of the $γ$-ray sources in the Fermi-LAT 14-year Source Catalogue are associated with pulsars and blazars. However, unveiling the nature of the still unassociated $γ$-ray sources is important for the understanding of high energy emission mechanisms in astrophysical objects. This work presents a comprehensive study towards the region covered by the Fermi source 4FGL J1846.9$-$0227, previously suggested to be a blazar and a massive protostar. Using multiwavelength observations, we analysed several astrophysical objects in the region as possible counterparts of the Fermi-LAT source. Having discarded most of them after a detailed and comprehensive analysis, we suggest that the most likely candidate to be such a counterpart is IRAS 18443$-$0231, a likely proto-planetary nebula. We found that the radio continuum emission at 3 GHz of IRAS 18443$-$0231 shows a compact source related to faint emission with jet-like morphology. Additionally, we identified an associated red-shifted CO molecular outflow. Using data from several catalogues, we obtained radio spectral index values ranging from $-$0.57 to $-$0.39 for IRAS 18443$-$0231, indicating syncrothron emission due to particles accelerated by the jets. We point out that these jets could explain the $γ$-ray emission through mechanisms such as proton-proton collisions and relativistic Bremsstrahlung. IRAS 18443$-$0231, lying almost at the centre of the Fermi confidence ellipse and related to the hard X-ray source 4XMM J184700.4$-$022752, would be the first association between a proto-planetary nebula and $γ$-ray emission.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Understanding the chemistry of the young stellar object G29.862-0.0044

In previous works, we have investigated the star-forming region G29.96$-$0.02 where the massive young stellar object (MYSO) G29.862$-$0.0044 (hereafter G29) is embedded in a hot molecular core. In one of them, of multiwavelength nature, using data from the Atacama Submillimeter Telescope Experiment (ASTE), data from the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), and photometric data from NIRI-Gemini, G29 was investigated at different spatial scales. However, the intriguing morphology of G29 in the near-infrared, together with the distribution of the associated molecular gas, reveals that the star-formation scenario is far from being understood. This work incorporates the analysis of the emission of several molecular lines acquired with ALMA that were not previously examined (eg.,~CH$_{3}$OH, HC$_{3}$N, H$_{ 2}$CO, C$^{34}$S, H$_{2}$CS) as well as a new determination of the temperature of the region. Additionally, we present the progress of results obtained through new observations in the near-infrared, in this case spectroscopic, using NIFS-Gemini, and in radio continnum obtained with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA). This research allows us to carry out a detailed chemical study of the region, which will contribute to the understanding of the physical processes involved in the high-mass star formation.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2019

Radio study of the extended TeV source VER J1907+062

This paper aims to provide new insights on the origin of the TeV source VER J1907+062 through new high-quality radio observations. We used the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) to observe the whole extension of VER J1907+062 at 1.5 GHz with a mosaicking technique and the PSR J1907+0602 in a single pointing at 6 GHz. These data were used together with $^{12}$CO and atomic hydrogen observations obtained from public surveys to investigate the interstellar medium in the direction of VER J1907+062. The new radio observations do not show any evidence of a pulsar wind nebula (PWN) driven by the pulsars present in the field and no radio counterpart to the proposed X-ray PWN powered by PSR J1907+0602 is seen in the new VLA image at 6 GHz down to a noise level of 10 $μ$Jy/beam. Molecular clouds were discovered over the eastern, southern, and western borders of the radio shell of G40.5$-$0.5, suggesting an association with this supernova remnant. We explored several scenarios for the origin of VER J1907+062. We propose as the most probable scenario one in which the TeV emission is produced by two separated gamma-ray sources located at different distances: one of leptonic origin and associated with a PWN powered by PSR J1907+0602 at $\sim 3.2$ kpc and another of hadronic origin and produced by the interaction between G40.5$-$0.5 and the surrounding molecular gas at $\sim 8.7$ kpc.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2019

New X-ray observations toward PSR J1826-1256

We present the results of XMM-Newton observations toward the pulsar PSR J1826$-$1256, which lies at 5$^{\prime}$.4 from the centroid of the TeV source HESS J1826$-$130. These data show an elongated nebula with the pulsar located in the northern border with the emission in the direction of the peak of the very high energy source. The spectral study of the X-ray emission shows a clear softening of the photon index with increasing distance from the pulsar. We discuss the connection among the pulsar, its nebula, and the HESS source.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2019

A new study towards PSR J1826-1334 and PSR J1826-1256 in the region of HESS J1825-137 and HESS J1826-130

Aims. The goal of this paper is to detect synchrotron emission from the relic electrons of the crushed pulsar wind nebula (PWN) HESS J1825-137 and to investigate the origin of the $γ$-ray emission from HESS J1826-130.\\ Methods. The study of HESS J1825-137 was carried out on the basis of new radio observations centred at the position of PSR J1826-1334 performed with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array at 1.4 GHz in configurations B and C. To investigate the nature of HESS J1826-130, we reprocessed unpublished archival data obtained with XMM-Newton.\\ Results. The new radio continuum image towards PSR J1826-1334 reveals a bright radio source, with the pulsar located in its centre, which suggests that this feature could be the radio counterpart of the compact component of the PWN detected at high energy. The new 1.4 GHz radio data do not reveal emission with an extension comparable with that observed in $γ$-rays for the HESS J1825-137 source. On the other hand, the XMM-Newton study of the region including PSR J1826-1256 reveals an elongated non-thermal X-ray emitting nebula with the pulsar located in the northern border and a tail towards the peak of the very high energy source. The spectrum is characterized by a power law with a photon index going from 1.6 around the pulsar to 2.7 in the borders of the nebula, a behaviour consistent with synchrotron cooling of electrons. From our X-ray analysis we propose that HESS J1826-130 is likely produced by the PWN powered by PSR J1826-1256 via the inverse Compton mechanism.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2017

Study of the molecular and ionized gas in a possible precursor of an ultra-compact HII region

We study the molecular and the ionized gas in a possible precursor of an UC HII region to contribute to the understanding of how high-mass stars build-up their masses once they have reached the zero-age main secuence. We carried out molecular observations toward the position of the Red MSX source G052.9221-00.4892, using ASTE in the 12CO, 13CO, and C18O J=3-2, and HCO+ J=4-3 lines. We also present radio continuum observations at 6 GHz carried out with the JVLA interferometer. Combining these observations with public infrared data allowed us to inquire about the nature of the source. The analysis of the molecular observations reveals the presence of a kinetic temperature and H2 column density gradients across the molecular clump in which the source is embedded, with the hotter and less dense gas in the inner region. The 12CO J=3-2 emission shows evidence of misaligned massive molecular outflows, with the blue lobe in positional coincidence with a jet-like feature seen at 8 um. The radio continuum emission shows a slightly elongated compact radio source in positional coincidence with the Red MSX source. The polar-like morphology of this compact radio source perfectly matches the hourglass-like morphology exhibited by the source in the Ks-band. The axes of symmetry of the radio source and the near-IR nebula are perfectly aligned. Based on the multiwavelength analysis, we suggest that the analyzed source could be transiting a HC HII region phase, in which the young central star emits winds and ionizing radiation through the poles. By the other hand, according to a comparison between the Br-gamma and the radio flux density, the source would be in a more evolved evolutionary stage of an optically thin UC HII region in photoionization equilibrium. If this is the case, from the radio continuum emission, we can conjecture upon the spectral type of its exciting star which would be a B0.5V.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2017

Radio and X-ray properties of the source G29.37+0.1 linked to HESS J1844-030

Using observations carried out with the GMRT, we performed high-quality full-synthesis imaging at 610 MHz of the source G29.37+0.1, which is an as-yet-unclassified object linked to the TeV source HESS J1844-030. These data, combined with observations at 1400 MHz from MAGPIS were used to investigate the properties of its radio emission. Additionally, we reprocessed XMM-Newton and Chandra archival data. G29.37+0.1 mainly consists of a bright twisted structure, named the S-shaped feature. The high sensitivity of the new GMRT observations allowed the identification of potential lobes, jets, and a nuclear central region in the S-shaped morphology of G29.37+0.1. We also highlight the detection of diffuse and low surface brightness emission enveloping the brightest emitting regions. The brightest emission in G29.37+0.1 has a radio synchrotron spectral index 0.59+/-0.09. Variations in the spectral behavior are observed across the whole radio source with the flattest spectral features in the central nuclear and jets components (alpha~0.3). These results lead us to conclude that the brightest radio emission from G29.37+0.1 likely represents a newly recognized radio galaxy. The identification of optical and infrared counterparts to the emission from the core of G29.37+0.1 strengthens our interpretation of an extragalactic origin of the radio emission. Our spectral analysis demonstrated that a non-thermal origin for the X-ray emission compatible with a pulsar wind nebula is quite possible. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the CO gas revealed the presence of a complex of molecular clouds located in projection adjacent to the radio halo emission and probably interacting with it. We propose that the faint halo represents a composite supernova remnant with a pulsar powered component given by the diffuse X-ray emission superimposed along the line of sight to the radio galaxy.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2016

Unveiling the origin of HESS J1809-193

The main goal of this paper is to provide new insights on the origin of the observable flux of gamma rays from HESS J1809-193 using new high-quality observations in the radio domain. We used the Expanded Very Large Array (now known as the Karl G. Jansky Very large Array, JVLA) to produce a deep full-synthesis imaging at 1.4 GHz of the vicinity of PSR J1809-1917. These data were used in conjunction with 12CO observations from the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope in the transition line J=3-2 and atomic hydrogen data from the Southern Galactic Plane Survey to investigate the properties of the interstellar medium in the direction of the source HESS J1809-193. The new radio continuum image, obtained with a synthesized beam of 8"x4" and a sensitivity of 0.17 mJy/beam, reveals with unprecedented detail all the intensity structures in the field. No radio counterpart to the observed X-ray emission supposed to be a pulsar wind nebula powered by PSR J1809-1917 is seen in the new JVLA image. We discovered a system of molecular clouds on the edge of the supernova remnant (SNR) G11.0-0.0 shock front, which is positionally coincident with the brightest part of the TeV source HESS J1809-193. We determine, on the basis of kinematic and morphological evidences, a physical link of the SNR with the clouds for which we estimated a total (molecular plus atomic) mass of ~3 x10^3 Mo and a total proton density in the range 2-3 x 10^3 cm-3. We propose as the most likely origin of the very high-energy gamma-ray radiation from HESS J1809-193 a hadronic mechanism through collisions of ions accelerated at the SNR G11.0-0.0 shock with the molecular matter in the vicinity of the remnant.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

HII region G46.5-0.2: the interplay between ionizing radiation, molecular gas and star formation

HII regions are particularly interesting because they can generate dense layers of gas and dust, elongated columns or pillars of gas pointing towards the ionizing sources, and cometary globules of dense gas, where triggered star formation can occur. Understanding the interplay between the ionizing radiation and the dense surrounding gas is very important to explain the origin of these peculiar structures, and hence to characterize triggered star formation. G46.5-0.2 (G46), a poorly studied galactic HII region located at about 4 kpc, is an excellent target to perform this kind of studies. Using public molecular data extracted from the Galactic Ring Survey (13CO J=1-0) and from the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope data archive (12CO, 13CO, C18O J=3-2, HCO+ and HCN J=4-3), and infrared data from the GLIMPSE and MIPSGAL surveys, we perform a complete study of G46, its molecular environment and the young stellar objects placed around it. We found that G46, probably excited by an O7V star, is located close to the edge of the GRSMC G046.34-00.21 molecular cloud. It presents a horse-shoe morphology opening in direction of the cloud. We observed a filamentary structure in the molecular gas likely related to G46 and not considerable molecular emission towards its open border. We found that about 10' towards the southwest of G46 there are some pillar-like features, shining at 8 um and pointing towards the HII region open border. We propose that the pillar-like features were carved and sculpted by the ionizing flux from G46. We found several young stellar objects likely embedded in the molecular cloud grouped in two main concentrations: one, closer to the G46 open border consisting of Class II type sources, and other one mostly composed by Class I type YSOs located just ahead the pillars-like features, strongly suggesting an age gradient in the YSOs distribution.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

Discovering a misaligned CO outflow related to the red MSX source G034.5964-01.0292

The red MSX source G034.5964-01.0292 (MSXG34), catalogued as a massive YSO, was observed in molecular lines with the aim of discover and study molecular outflows. We mapped a region of 3'x3' centered at MSXG34 using the Atacama Submillimeter Telescope Experiment in the 12CO J=3-2 and HCO+ J=4-3 lines with an angular and spectral resolution of 22" and 0.11 km/s, respectively. Additionally, public 13CO J=1-0 and near-IR UKIDSS data obtained from the Galactic Ring Survey and the WFCAM Sciencie Archive, respectively, were analyzed. We found that the 12CO spectra towards the YSO present a self-absorption dip, as it is usual in star forming regions, and spectral wings evidencing outflow activity. The HCO+ was detected only towards the MSXG34 position at v_LSR ~ 14.2 km/s, in coincidence with the 12CO absorption dip and approximately with the velocity of previous ammonia observations. HCO+ and NH3 are known to be enhanced in molecular outflows. Analyzing the spectral wings of the 12CO line, we discovered misaligned red- and blue-shifted molecular outflows associated with MSXG34. The near-IR emission shows a cone-like shape nebulosity composed by two arc-like features related to the YSO, which can be due to a cavity cleared in the circumstellar material by a precessing jet. This can explain the misalignment in the molecular outflows. From the analysis of the 13CO J=1--0 data we suggest that the YSO is very likely related to a molecular clump ranging between 10 and 14 km/s. This suggests that MSXG34, with an associated central velocity of about 14 km/s, may be located in the background of this clump. Thus, the blue-shifted outflow is probably deflected by the interaction with dense gas along the line of sight.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2012

The molecular clump towards the eastern border of SNR G18.8+0.3

The eastern border of the SNR G18.8+0.3, close to an HII regions complex, is a very interesting region to study the molecular gas that it is probably in contact with the SNR shock front. We observed the aforementioned region using the Atacama Submillimeter Telescope Experiment (ASTE) in the 12CO J=3-2, 13CO J=3-2, HCO+ J=4-3, and CS J=7-6 lines with an angular resolution of 22". To complement these observations, we analyzed IR, submillimeter and radio continuum archival data. In this work, we clearly show that the radio continuum "protrusion" that was early thought to belong to the SNR is an HII regions complex deeply embedded in a molecular clump. The new molecular observations reveal that this dense clump, belonging to an extended molecular cloud that surrounds the SNR southeast border, is not physically in contact with SNR G18.8+0.3, suggesting that the SNR shock front have not yet reached it or maybe they are located at different distances. We found some young stellar objects embedded in the molecular clump, suggesting that their formation should be approximately coeval with the SN explosion.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2012

Study of the luminous blue variable star candidate G26.47+0.02 and its environment

The luminous blue variable (LBV) stars are peculiar very massive stars. The study of these stellar objects and their surroundings is important for understanding the evolution of massive stars and its effects on the interstellar medium. We study the LBV star candidate G26.47+0.02. Using several large-scale surveys in different frequencies we performed a multiwavelength study of G26.47+0.02 and its surroundings. We found a molecular shell (seen in the 13CO J=1-0 line) that partially surrounds the mid-infrared nebula of G26.47+0.02, which suggests an interaction between the strong stellar winds and the molecular gas. From the HI absorption and the molecular gas study we conclude that G26.47+0.02 is located at a distance of ~4.8 kpc. The radio continuum analysis shows a both thermal and non-thermal emission toward this LBV candidate, pointing to wind-wind collision shocks from a binary system. This hypothesis is supported by a search of near-IR sources and the Chandra X-ray analysis. Additional multiwavelength and long-term observations are needed to detect some possible variable behavior, and if that is found, to confirm the binary nature of the system.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2012

The molecular gas around the luminous blue variable star G24.73+0.69

Aims: We study the molecular environment of the luminous blue variable star G24.73+0.69 to investigate the origin of the two infrared shells around this massive star and to determine its effects on the surrounding interstellar medium. Methods: We analyze the distribution of the molecular gas using the 13CO J=1-0 emission extracted from the Galactic Ring Survey. We use near- and mid-infrared data from 2MASS and GLIMPSE to identify the young stellar objects in the field. Results: We discover the molecular counterpart of the outer infrared shell around G24.73+0.69. The CO shell was probably blown by the stellar wind of the star mainly during its main sequence phase. We also find molecular gas that corresponds to the inner infrared shell, although its origin remains uncertain. We find seven young stellar objects upon the molecular material, whose birth might have been triggered by the stellar wind of the luminous blue variable star. We suggest that both G24.73+0.69 and the progenitor of the nearby supernova remnant G24.7+0.6 were formed from the same natal cloud and represent the most evolved members of a so far undetected cluster of other massive stars.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2011

Study of the dense molecular gas surrounding the "Extended Green Object" G35.03+0.35

We present the results of a new study of the molecular gas associated with the "extended green object" (EGO) G35.03+0.35. This object, very likely a massive young stellar object, is embedded in a molecular cloud at the border of an HII region. The observations were performed with the Atacama Submillimeter Telescope Experiment (ASTE) in the 12CO and 13CO J=3-2, HCO+ J=4-3, and CS J=7-6 lines with an angular resolution about 22". From the 12CO J=3-2 line we discovered outflowing activity of the massive young stellar object. We obtained a total mass and kinetic energy for the outflows of 30 M_sun and 3000 M_sun (km/s)^2 (6 x 10^{46} ergs), respectively. We discovered a HCO+ and CS clump towards the EGO G35.03+0.35. The detection of these molecular species supports the presence of molecular outflows and a dense molecular envelope with temperatures and densities above 40 K and 6 x 10^{6} cm^{-3}, respectively. Using public near- and mid-IR, and sub-mm data we investigated the spectral energy distribution confirming that EGO G35.03+0.35 is a massive young stellar object at the earliest evolutionary stage (i.e. a class I young stellar object). By anlysing radio continuum archival data we found three radio sources towards the object, suggesting the presence of several young stellar objects in the region. Our radio continuum analysis is consistent with the presence of at least one ultracompact HII region and an hypercompact HII region or a constant-velocity ionized wind source.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2010

The HII region G35.673-00.847: another case of triggered star formation?

As part of a systematic study that we are performing with the aim to increase the observational evidence of triggered star formation in the surroundings of HII regions, we analyze the ISM around the HII region G35.673-00.847, a poorly studied source. Using data from large-scale surveys: Two Micron All Sky Survey, Galactic Legacy Infrared Mid-Plane Survey Extraordinaire (GLIMPSE), MIPSGAL, Galactic Ring Survey (GRS), VLA Galactic Plane Survey (VGPS), and NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS) we performed a multiwavelength study of G35.673-00.847 and its surroundings. The mid IR emission, shows that G35.673-00.847 has an almost semi-ring like shape with a cut towards the galactic west. The radius of this semi-ring is about 1.5' (~1.6 pc, at the distance of ~3.7 kpc). The distance was estimated from an HI absorption study and from the analysis of the molecular gas. Indeed, we find a molecular shell composed by several clumps distributed around the HII region, suggesting that its expansion is collecting the surrounding material. We find several YSO candidates over the molecular shell. Finally, comparing the HII region dynamical age and the fragmentation time of the molecular shell, we discard the collect and collapse as the mechanism responsible for the YSOs formation, suggesting other processes such as radiative driven implosion and/or small-scale Jeans gravitational instabilities.

astro-ph.GA↗