Multiband far-infrared observations of the NGC 6334 complex

Abstract

We present multiband far-infrared (20-155 jim) observations of the large H n region/molecular cloud com- plex NGC 6334. The observations were performed simultaneously in four bands with effective wavelengths 21, 42, 71, and 134 /¿m. Eight far-infrared sources were detected which cover the range from sources with little or no continuum radio emission to well-developed H n regions. Maps of dust temperature and far-infrared optical depth of the complex are presented which reveal large-scale variations in the color temperature and optical depth. We discuss star formation in the complex and conclude that a Rayleigh-Taylor instability gen- erated by the gravitational attraction of the galactic plane can explain the regular separation of the far-IR sources. Subject