Protostars and Planets VI, Heidelberg, July 15-20, 2013
Poster 2B010
Tracing Discs Around Massive YSOs using CO Emission
Ilee, J. D. (SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9SS, UK)
Wheelwright, H. E. (Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie, Auf dem Hügel 69, D-53121 Bonn, Germany)
Oudmaijer, R. D. (School of Physics and Astronomy, EC Stoner Building, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT)
de Wit, W. J. (European Southern Observatory, Alonso de Cordova 3107, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile)
Maud, L. T. (School of Physics and Astronomy, EC Stoner Building, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT)
Hoare, M. G. (School of Physics and Astronomy, EC Stoner Building, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT)
Lumsden, S. L. (School of Physics and Astronomy, EC Stoner Building, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT)
Moore, T. J. T. (Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Twelve Quays House, Egerton Wharf, Birkenhead CH41 1LD)
Urquhart, J. S. (Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie, Auf dem Hügel 69, D-53121 Bonn, Germany)
Mottram, J. C. (Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, PO Box 9513, NL-2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands)
Abstract:
There is little observational evidence that discs play a role in massive star formation. We present spectra of 20 massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) displaying CO first overtone bandhead emission. We model the emission under the assumption that it originates in a circumstellar disc, and find good fits to all spectra. The best fitting discs are found to be spread across a wide range of inclinations, consistent with accretion disc models, and within the dust sublimation radius. Our results provide strong evidence for small scale gaseous accretion discs, supporting the scenario in which massive stars form via disc accretion.
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