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Processing of icy mantles in protostellar envelopes
J E Chiar1, P A Gerakines, D C Whittet
1Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
The Astrophysical Journal
|September 7, 2001
Summary
Researchers studied carbon monoxide (CO) ices around young stellar objects (YSOs). They found diverse ice compositions, suggesting an evolutionary path for these icy mantles near forming stars.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Astrochemistry
Background:
- Young stellar objects (YSOs) are crucial for understanding star and planet formation.
- Icy mantles surrounding YSOs preserve chemical information about their formation environment.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a key molecule in interstellar ices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ice mantle composition of various young stellar objects (YSOs).
- To determine the presence and form of carbon monoxide (CO) ices in different YSO environments.
- To propose an evolutionary model for the chemical diversity of icy mantles.
Main Methods:
- Obtained CO absorption profiles for a sample of YSOs with a range of masses and luminosities.
- Analyzed spectral data to identify and characterize CO ice features.
- Compared CO ice profiles across different YSO sources.
Main Results:
- First detection of CO ice towards the Class I YSO L1489 IRS.
- Evidence for both processed and pristine ices found in several YSO lines of sight.
- CO ice was observed in nearly pure form in some sources, while mixed in others.
Conclusions:
- The chemical diversity of icy mantles suggests an evolutionary scenario for YSOs.
- CO ice composition provides insights into the physical and chemical conditions during star formation.
- Further studies can refine the proposed evolutionary model of icy mantles.
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