Observations of Shocked H2 and [FEII] Line Profiles in Orion Bullet Wakes

J. Tedds, P. W. J. L. Brand, M. G. Burton, A. Chrysostomou, A. J. L. Fernandes

Abstract
New observations of H₂ velocity profiles in the Orion bullet wakes are extremely difficult to reconcile with existing steady-state shock models. We have observed [FeII] 1.644µm velocity profiles of selected bullets and H₂ 1-0 S(1) 2.122µm velocity profiles for a series of positions along and across the corresponding bow-shock wakes. Integrated [FeII] velocity profiles of the brightest bullets are consistent with theoretical bow shock predictions. Observations of broad, singly-peaked H₂ 1-0 S(1) profiles in the most clearly resolved bullet wakes challenge our understanding of molecular shocks. It may be necessary to model the effects of instabilities and turbulence in the Orion bullet wakes in order to fit our observations.

Astrophysics and Space Science
Volume 233, Page 39
November 1995

ADS Bibliographic code: 1995Ap&SS.233...39T