The new star forming site NGC 6334 IV (MM3)

Abstract

Aims. The eastern part of the massive star forming region NGC 6334 IV is characterized by the presence of the millimeter continuum sources MM3, MM4, and the optically thin HII region G351.24+0.65. Here we study the star formation in this part of the cloud. Methods. We imaged this region, here named NGC 6334 IV (MM3), at sub-arcsec resolution in Ks, H2, Br γ, and in the mid-infrared, from 8.9 to 1.2.7 μm. In addition, we used IRAC/Spitzer and ISOCAM images. Results. From the analysis of the IRAC color-color and H - K s versus Ks - [3.6] diagrams, we found 18 embedded very young stellar objects within an area of 75″ × 75″. One of these sources, IR-MM3 (IRS 8E), shows a very steep energy distribution with an infrared spectral index of αIR = 3.5 and Lbol = 985 L⊙. This protostar, which coincides with an OH maser source and with the continuum millimeter source MM3, is the exciting source of two hydrogen molecular knots found in our H2 image. Two sources (IRS 18, and 19) with infrared excess and a steep SED are probably associated with the HII region G351.24+0.65. The IRAC and ISOCAM images indicate the presence of extended PAH emission in the region. Conclusions. We have discovered a new center of massive star formation in the giant molecular cloud complex NGC 6334. © ESO 2009.