A rich cluster of radio stars in the ρ ophiuchi cloud cores

James A. Leous, Eric D. Feigelson, Philippe André, Thierry Montmerle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

91 Scopus citations

Abstract

Deep 6 cm VLA observations of the central regions of the ρ Ophiuchi star-forming cloud reveal a concentration of faint stellar radio sources. A sensitivity better than 0.09 mJy is achieved, corresponding to 2.3 × 1015 ergs s-1 Hz-1, a factor of 10-20 more sensitive than previous observations of the cloud (Stine et al.). In the northern molecular core, ρ Oph A, 22 sources are seen in a 13′ × 13′ map centered on the embedded B star S1. Below 0.4 mJy, the source density is several times that expected from extragalactic sources. At least seven radio sources are associated with young stars: six are coincident with infrared sources, and one with a strong millimeter source at the base of a bipolar flow (André et al.). In the southern molecular core, ρ Oph E/F, 13 faint radio sources are detected; at least six are coincident with infrared stars. The low-mass stellar radio sources range in radio intensity from 0.2 to 3 mJy. These studies show that continuum radio emission far above levels present in main sequence stars is observed in one-third to one-half of low-mass pre-main-sequence stars. However, it is not clear whether the radio emission is generally thermal or nonthermal in origin.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)683-688
Number of pages6
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume379
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 1991

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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