Radiative transfer modelling of W33A MM1: 3-D structure and dynamics of a complex massive star forming region

TL;DR

This study uses detailed 3-D radiative transfer modeling to interpret ALMA observations of the complex massive star-forming region W33A MM1, revealing a fragmented core with multiple protostars and filamentary accretion flows.

Contribution

It provides a novel composite 3-D model that explains the observed features, including filamentary accretion and multiple protostars, challenging the single massive star paradigm.

Findings

Identification of six compact sources within W33A MM1.

Detection of filamentary accretion flows feeding the protostars.

Evidence supporting a forming stellar association rather than a single massive star.

Abstract

We present a composite model and radiative transfer simulations of the massive star forming core W33A MM1. The model was tailored to reproduce the complex features observed with ALMA at $\approx 0.2$ arcsec resolution in CH$_3$CN and dust emission. The MM1 core is fragmented into six compact sources coexisting within $\sim 1000$ au. In our models, three of these compact sources are better represented as disc-envelope systems around a central (proto)star, two as envelopes with a central object, and one as a pure envelope. The model of the most prominent object (Main) contains the most massive (proto)star ($M_\star\approx7~M_\odot$) and disc+envelope ($M_\mathrm{gas}\approx0.4~M_\odot$), and is the most luminous ($L_\mathrm{Main} \sim 10^4~L_\odot$). The model discs are small (a few hundred au) for all sources. The composite model shows that the elongated spiral-like feature converging to the MM1 core can be convincingly interpreted as a filamentary accretion flow that feeds the rising stellar system. The kinematics of this filament is reproduced by a parabolic trajectory with focus at the center of mass of the region. Radial collapse and fragmentation within this filament, as well as smaller filamentary flows between pairs of sources are proposed to exist. Our modelling supports an interpretation where what was once considered as a single massive star with a $\sim 10^3$ au disc and envelope, is instead a forming stellar association which appears to be virialized and to form several low-mass stars per high-mass object.