Lynds Bright Nebulae: Sites of possible twisted filaments and ongoing star formation

TL;DR

This study analyzes multi-wavelength data of Lynds Bright Nebulae, revealing twisted large-scale filaments associated with star formation activities and proposing a physical process for their origin and evolution.

Contribution

It is the first to suggest the possible twisting of large-scale filaments in Lynds Bright Nebulae and links this to ongoing star formation and the nebulae's physical dynamics.

Findings

Infrared-excess sources indicate star formation activity.

Presence of twisted large-scale filaments confirmed by molecular gas data.

Star formation is likely driven by filament twisting and coupling.

Abstract

The paper presents an analysis of multi-wavelength data of two Lynds Bright Nebulae (LBN), LBN 140.07+01.64 and LBN 140.77$-$1.42. The 1420 MHz continuum map reveals an extended Y-shaped feature (linear extent ~3.7 deg), which consists of a linear part and a V-like structure. The sites LBN 140.07+01.64 and AFGL 437 are located toward the opposite sides of the V-like structure, and LBN 140.77$-$1.42 is spatially seen toward the linear part. Infrared-excess sources are traced toward the entire Y-feature, suggesting star formation activities. Infrared and sub-millimeter images show the presence of at least two large-scale dust filaments extended toward the LBN sources. The Herschel maps, which are available only toward the northern and central parts of the Y-feature, display the presence of higher column density (> 2.4 X 10^{21} cm^{-2}) of materials toward the filaments. Using the 12CO(1-0) line data, the distribution of molecular gas at [-42.7, -34.4] km/s traces the cloud associated with the Y-feature, and confirms the existence of filaments. The large-scale filaments appear to be possibly spatially twisted. There is a hint of an oscillatory-like velocity pattern along both the filaments, favouring their proposed twisted nature. It is the first study showing the possible twisting of filaments, which is more prominent in the northern and central parts of the Y-feature. This possible twisting/coupling of the large-scale filaments appears to be responsible for the observed star formation (including known OB-stars). The proposed physical process and the energetics of OB-stars together seem to explain the origin of the ionized Y-feature.