Astrometry of the Dynamical Ejection of the Becklin-Neugebauer Object from theta^1 Ori C

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that the BN object was ejected from theta^1 Ori C through proper motion analysis, supporting a dynamical ejection scenario and providing insights into massive star formation processes.

Contribution

It confirms the ejection origin of BN from theta^1 Ori C using proper motion data, challenging previous claims and highlighting the importance of precise astrometry.

Findings

Proper motion of BN is consistent with ejection from theta^1 Ori C.

Future observations can further constrain the ejection event.

Implications for theories of massive star formation.

Abstract

We show that the proper motion of the Becklin-Neugebauer (BN) object is consistent with its dynamical ejection from the theta^1 Ori C binary, contrary to recent claims by Gomez et al. Continued radio observations of BN and future precise astrometric observations of theta^1 Ori C with SIM and the Orion Nebula Cluster with GAIA can constrain the properties of this ejection event, with implications for theories of how the nearest example of massive star formation is proceeding.