Evidence for a variable far-infrared source in NGC 6334

Abstract

NGC 6334 has been mapped with a 40-250 micron photometer with 1 arcmin resolution. Six sources of far-infrared radiation have been detected. The second-strongest source was not detected in an earlier (2.7 years) 40-350 micron survey of the same region. This source is interpreted as a variable far-infrared source. The new source, located at the position of OH and H2O maser sources, is extended (0.7 arcmin FWHM) and has a bolometric luminosity of 190,000 solar luminosities and may represent a hitherto unobserved transient stage of protostellar collapse.