The Chandra X-ray view of the power sources in Cepheus A

TL;DR

This study uses high-resolution Chandra X-ray observations to identify active pre-main sequence stars and potential outflow sources in Cepheus A, revealing a new candidate driving source for HH 168.

Contribution

First high-resolution X-ray imaging of Cepheus A revealing active young stars and identifying a new potential outflow driver.

Findings

Detected multiple bright X-ray sources indicating active young stars.

Discovered a new X-ray source possibly driving HH 168 outflow.

Strong absorption limits detection of less luminous objects.

Abstract

The central part of the massive star-forming region Cepheus A contains several radio sources which indicate multiple outflow phenomena, yet the driving sources of the individual outflows have not been identified. We present a high-resolution Chandra observation of this region that shows the presence of bright X-ray sources, consistent with active pre-main sequence stars, while the strong absorption hampers the detection of less luminous objects. A new source has been discovered located on the line connecting H_2 emission regions at the eastern and western parts of Cepheus A. This source could be the driving source of HH 168. We present a scenario relating the observed X-ray and radio emission.