First science observations with SOFIA/FORCAST: 6-37 μm imaging of Orion BN/KL

Abstract

The Becklin-Neugebauer/Kleinmann-Low (BN/KL) region of the Orion Nebula is the nearest region of high-mass star formation in our galaxy. As such, it has been the subject of intense investigation at a variety of wavelengths, which have revealed it to be brightest in the infrared to submillimeter wavelength regime. Using the newly commissioned SOFIA airborne telescope and its 5-40 μm camera FORCAST, images of the entire BN/KL complex have been acquired. The 31.5 and 37.1 μm images represent the highest resolution observations (≲4″) ever obtained of this region at these wavelengths. These observations reveal that the BN object is not the dominant brightness source in the complex at wavelengths ≥ 31.5 μm and that this distinction goes instead to the source IRc4. It was determined from these images and derived dust color temperature maps that IRc4 is also likely to be self-luminous. A new source of emission has also been identified at wavelengths ≥ 31.5 μm that coincides with the northeastern outflow lobe from the protostellar disk associated with radio source I. © 2012. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.