3D Dust Mapping Reveals that Orion Forms Part of a Large Ring of Dust

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new 3D dust mapping technique revealing a large, previously unknown dust ring around Orion, suggesting a historical bubble formation that impacts star formation models.

Contribution

Developed a novel 3D dust mapping method using Pan-STARRS1 data, uncovering the Orion dust ring and its implications for star formation history.

Findings

Discovered a 100 pc dust ring around Orion.

The ring's morphology indicates ancient bubble formation.

Implications for models of high-mass star formation.

Abstract

The Orion Molecular Complex is the nearest site of ongoing high-mass star formation, making it one of the most extensively studied molecular complexes in the Galaxy. We have developed a new technique for mapping the 3D distribution of dust in the Galaxy using Pan-STARRS1 photometry. We isolate the dust at the distance to Orion using this technique, revealing a large (100 pc, 14 degree diameter), previously unrecognized ring of dust, which we term the "Orion dust ring." The ring includes Orion A and B, and is not coincident with current H-alpha features. The circular morphology suggests formation as an ancient bubble in the interstellar medium, though we have not been able to conclusively identify the source of the bubble. This hint at the history of Orion may have important consequences for models of high-mass star formation and triggered star formation.