JVLA Observations of IC 348SW: Compact Radio Sources and their Nature

TL;DR

This study uses JVLA radio observations to identify and analyze 10 compact sources in IC 348SW, revealing new sources, outflow associations, and potential magnetic activity, enhancing understanding of star-forming regions.

Contribution

First detailed radio survey of IC 348SW identifying new sources and their associations, including variable and outflow-related objects, with implications for star formation processes.

Findings

Detected 10 compact radio sources, 7 newly reported.

Identified sources associated with outflows HH 211 and HH 797.

Observed periodic variability in IR source LRLL 54361.

Abstract

We present sensitive 2.1 and 3.3 cm JVLA radio continuum observations of the region IC 348 SW. We detect a total of 10 compact radio sources in the region, of which seven are first reported here. One of the sources is associated with the remarkable periodic time-variable infrared source LRLL 54361, opening the possibility of monitoring this object at radio wavelengths. Four of the sources appear to be powering outflows in the region, including HH 211 and HH 797. In the case of the rotating outflow HH 797 we detect at its center a double radio source, separated by $\sim3"$. Two of the sources are associated with infrared stars that possibly have gyrosynchrotron emission produced in active magnetospheres. Finally, three of the sources are interpreted as background objects.