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Title: TENTATIVE DETECTION OF DEUTERATED METHANE TOWARD THE LOW-MASS PROTOSTAR IRAS 04368+2557 IN L1527

Journal Article · · Astrophysical Journal Letters
; ;  [1];  [2];  [3];  [4]
  1. Department of Physics, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 (Japan)
  2. Steward Observatory, University of Arizona, 933 North Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85721 (United States)
  3. Institute of Astronomy, University of Tokyo, Osawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588 (Japan)
  4. National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Osawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588 (Japan)

The millimeter-wave rotational transition line (J{sub K} = 1{sub 0}-0{sub 0}) of deuterated methane CH{sub 3}D has tentatively been detected toward the low-mass Class 0 protostar IRAS 04368+2557 in L1527 with the Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope. This is the first detection of CH{sub 3}D in interstellar clouds, if confirmed. The column density and fractional abundance of CH{sub 3}D are determined to be (9.1 {+-} 3.4) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 15} cm{sup -2} and (3.0 {+-} 1.1) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -7}, respectively, where we assume the rotational temperature of 25 K. The column density and fractional abundance of the gaseous CH{sub 4} are estimated to be (1.3-4.6) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 17} cm{sup -2} and (4.3-15.2) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -6}, respectively, by adopting the molecular D/H ratios of 2%-7% reported for various molecules in L1527. The fractional abundance of CH{sub 4} is higher than or comparable to that found in high-mass star-forming cores by infrared observations. It is sufficiently high to trigger the efficient production of various carbon-chain molecules in a lukewarm region near the protostar, which supports the scenario of warm carbon-chain chemistry.

OSTI ID:
22078514
Journal Information:
Astrophysical Journal Letters, Vol. 758, Issue 1; Other Information: Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 2041-8205
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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