Large HI structures linked to southern O-type stars

TL;DR

This study investigates large interstellar structures linked to four distant O-type stars, revealing neutral gas cavities and shells likely formed by stellar wind activity, enhancing understanding of massive star influence on interstellar environments.

Contribution

The paper presents the first detailed analysis of large HI structures associated with these specific O-type stars, linking stellar winds to observed interstellar features.

Findings

Discovery of neutral gas cavities and shells around the stars

Evidence of slowly expanding shells associated with the stars

Detection of IR and optical counterparts for some stars

Abstract

In our search for interstellar bubbles around massive stars we analyze the environs of the O-type stars HD 38666, HD 124979, HD 163758, and HD 171589. The location of the stars, which are placed far from the galactic plane, favors the formation of large wind bubbles. We investigate the distribution of the neutral and ionized gas based on HI, CO, and radio continuum data, and that of the interstellar dust based on far infrared IRIS images. Here we report the discovery of neutral gas cavities and slowly expanding shells associated with the four massive stars. IR and optical counterparts were also detected for some of the stars. We discuss the probability that the features have originated in the action of the stellar winds on the surrounding gas.