Einstein observations of the Orion nebula

Journal Article · Thu Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/183109· OSTI ID:5637168

Ku, W H; Chanan, G A

A single 3.5 hour observation on 1979 March 6 with the imaging proportional counter aboard the Einstein Observatory has revealed the presence of numerous low-luminosity (L/sub z/approx.10/sup 31/ ergs s/sup -1/) X-ray sources in a region centered near the Trapzium in the Orion Nebula. In addition to the Trapezium, 22 discrete sources have been detected in a 1/sup 0/ x 1/sup 0/ field at or above the 4 sigma level. These sources are clearly associated with star formation, as indicated by the similarity of their spatial distribution with that of the nebular variables, a class of pre--main-sequence stars. Because the field is quite crowded, however, individual identifications of these sources are difficult. In addition to the discrete sources, there is evidence for diffuse or unresolved emission from two ridges extending 16' to the north and 15' to the west of the Trapezium. The nature of the discrete sources and of the diffuse emission discussed.

• Research Organization: Columbia Astrophysics Laboratory, Columbia University
• OSTI ID: 5637168
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States) Vol. 234:1; ISSN AJLEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640103* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Quasi-Stellar
Radio
& X-Ray Sources-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COSMIC RAY SOURCES
COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES
EMISSION SPECTRA
ERUPTIVE VARIABLE STARS
LUMINOSITY
NEBULAE
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SHOCK WAVES
SPECTRA
STARS
STELLAR WINDS
T TAURI STARS
VARIABLE STARS
VARIATIONS
X-RAY SPECTRA