Masers in star-forming regions associated with cold, bright IRAS sources

Abstract

Twenty-four regions of massive star-formation have been searched for OH, H2O, 6.6- GHz, and 12.2-GHz CH3OH masers. ^Chosen from the IRAS Point Source Catalog by their infrared colors, these objects are the coolest objects in the catalog. ^ Masers were detected towards all but two of these IRAS sources. ^Seven sources were observed in the (C-12)O (J = 1-0) line and all show evidence of molecular outflow. ^In six of the CO sources we have found maser emission with peaks in both the red and the blue wings of the outflow. ^We infer that the conditions for masing in these regions are probably produced by the mechanical energy of the outflowing material. ^(Author (revised))