Zooming in to Massive Star Birth


Abstract in English

We present high resolution (0.2, 1000 AU) 1.3 mm ALMA observations of massive infrared dark cloud clump, G028.37+00.07-C1, thought to harbor the early stages of massive star formation. Using $rm N_2D^+$(3-2) we resolve the previously identified C1-S core, separating the bulk of its emission from two nearby protostellar sources. C1-S is thus identified as a massive ($sim50:M_odot$), compact ($sim0.1:$pc diameter) starless core, e.g., with no signs of outflow activity. Being highly deuterated, this is a promising candidate for a pre-stellar core on the verge of collapse. An analysis of its dynamical state indicates a sub-virial velocity dispersion compared to a trans-Alfvenic turbulent core model. However, virial equilibrium could be achieved with sub-Alfvenic conditions involving $sim2:$mG magnetic field strengths.

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