The progenitor of the FUor-type young eruptive star 2MASS J06593158-0405277

TL;DR

This study characterizes the progenitor of the FUor-type star 2MASS J06593158-0405277, providing detailed physical parameters and context, which aids understanding of FUor eruptions and their origins.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive analysis of the FUor's progenitor using archival data, including photometry and physical properties, which is novel in understanding FUor eruption mechanisms.

Findings

Possible association with eight T Tauri candidates and a Class 0 source

Derived physical parameters: luminosity 4.8 L_Sun, temperature 1190 K, mass 0.75 M_Sun

Supports the interpretation of the FUor as a typical young Class II object.

Abstract

Only a dozen confirmed FU Orionis-type young outbursting stars (FUors) are known today; this explains the interest in the recent FUor eruption of 2MASS J06593158-0405277. Its outburst and expected decline will be subject to numerous studies in the future. Almost equally important for the understanding of the eruption mechanism, however, is the physical characterization of the FUor's precursor. Here we analyze unpublished archival data and summarize - and partly revise - all relevant photometry from optical to submillimeter wavelengths. Our analysis implies that the FUor is possibly associated with eight T Tauri star candidates and a strong Class 0 source. Adopting a distance of 450 pc for the FUor, we derive a quiescent bolometric luminosity and temperature of L_bol = 4.8 L_Sun and T_bol = 1190 K, typical for young Class II sources. The central star has a temperature of T_eff = 4000 K, a mass of 0.75 M_Sun, and an age of about 6 x 10^5 yr. The SED implies a circumstellar mass of 0.01 - 0.06 M_Sun, and the system is surrounded by a faint infrared nebulosity. Our results provide an almost complete picture of a FUor progenitor, supporting the interpretation of future post-outburst studies.