High‐Resolution Infrared Imaging of Herschel 36 SE: A Showcase for the Influence of Massive Stars in Cluster Environments

Abstract

We present high-resolution infrared imaging of the massive star-forming region around the O star Herschel 36. Special emphasis is given to a compact infrared source at 0.25" southeast of the star. The infrared source, hereafter Her 36 SE, is extended in the broadband images but features spatially unresolved Brγ line emission. The line-emission source coincides in position with the previous HST detections in Hα and the 2 cm radio continuum emission detected by VLA interferometry. We propose that the infrared source Her 36 SE harbors an early B-type star, deeply embedded in a dusty cloud. The fan shape of the cloud with Her 36 at its apex, however, manifests direct and ongoing destructive influence of the O7 V star on Her 36 SE. Based on data collected in the course of NACO and MIDI guaranteed-time observations [71.C-0143(A) and 73.C-0175(A)] at the VLT on Cerro Paranal, Chile, which is operated by the European Southern Observatory. Based on data collected at the Subaru Telescope, which is operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.