SMA imaging of the masers in MWC349A

In September 2004 and September 2005 we used the Submillimeter Array (SMA) to map the distribution of hydrogen recombination line (HRL) maser spots that originate in the envelope of the peculiar star MWC349A. We measured positions in the line over a 100 km/s velocity range with 1 km/s spectral resolution. Relative angular position was estimated to an accuracy of about 0.01 arcseconds. The H30 maser components can be tracked continuously in frequency between the red- and blue-shifted peaks of the spectrum. The masers appear to trace a nearly edge-on disk-like structure. The position-velocity relationship is quite remarkable, and reminiscent of that of NCG4258. However, the "wings" in the PV relation are too steep for a simple Keplerian prescription to be correct. We present our data, and suggest a simple model to account for the steep wings. © 2008 International Astronomical Union.

Duke Scholars

Author Ken H Young Pathology