Unveiling a compact cluster of massive and young stars in IRAS 17233-3606

Abstract

We have analyzed sensitive high spatial resolution archival radio continuum data at 1.3, 2.0, 3.6, and 6.0 cm as well as the H2O maser molecular line data obtained using the Very Large Array (VLA) in its hybrid AB configuration toward the high-mass star-forming region IRAS 17233-3606 (G351.78-0.54). We find nine compact radio sources associated with this region, six of them are new radio detections. We discuss the characteristics of these sources based mostly on their spectral indices and find that most of them appear to be optically thin or thick ultra- and hyper-compact H II regions ionized by B zero-age main-sequence stars. Furthermore, in a few cases the radio emission may arise from optically thick dusty disks and/or cores; however more observations at different wavelengths are necessary to firmly confirm their true nature. In addition, we compared our centimeter maps with the mid-infrared images from the Spitzer Space Observatory GLIMPSE survey revealing a cluster of young protostars in the region together with multiple collimated outflows, some of which might be related to the compact centimeter objects. Finally, we find that one of these centimeter objects, VLA2d, is well centered in an apparent strong and compact north-south bipolar outflow traced by OH masers and we therefore suggest that this object is energizing the latter. © 2008. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.