Non Stationary C-shocks: H<sub>2</sub> Emission in Molecular Outflows
TL;DRAbstract
Shock waves in outflows are generated by the impact of jets, associated with low-mass star formation, on the surrounding molecular gas. These shocks give rise to a strong H2 rovibrational emission spectrum which has been observed by the ISO satellite in several star formation regions. The dynamical time scales associated with these outflows are estimated to be a few thousand years and can be, in some regions, as short as a few hundred years. On the other hand, the time required to reach steady state for a C-shock is about 104 years. Under such circumstances, the shocks are unlikely to have attained a state of equilibrium, and a time dependent approach has to be considered. Non stationary C-shocks are found to exhibit both C-and J-type characteristics. The H2 rotational excitation diagram can provide a measure of the age of the shock; in the case of the outflow observed in Cepheus A West by the ISO satellite, the shock age is estimated to be approximately 1.5 × 103 yr.
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Shock waves in outflows are generated by the impact of jets, associated with low-mass star formation, on the surrounding molecular gas. These shocks give rise to a strong H2 rovibrational emission spectrum which has been observed by the ISO satellite in several star formation regions. The dynamical time scales associated with these outflows are estimated to be a few thousand years and can be, in some regions, as short as a few hundred years. On the other hand, the time required to reach steady state for a C-shock is about 104 years. Under such circumstances, the shocks are unlikely to have attained a state of equilibrium, and a time dependent approach has to be considered. Non stationary C-shocks are found to exhibit both C-and J-type characteristics. The H2 rotational excitation diagram can provide a measure of the age of the shock; in the case of the outflow observed in Cepheus A West by the ISO satellite, the shock age is estimated to be approximately 1.5 × 103 yr.
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