L183 (=L134N) Revisited

Abstract

L183, a long-standing molecular cloud reference for astrochemists, has still fascinating features to reveal. Strong depletion is present for all species bearing C, N or O atoms on a large scale. It is also on its way to form prestellar cores. Indeed, 2 cores of similar mass are clearly revealed and identified with nearby molecular peaks. Several differences between the two cores point towards different evolutionary stages. Some evidence (absence of SO, lower N2D+/N2H+ ratio) indicates that the northern core is probably younger than the central core.