Work

Magnetic Fields and Asymmetric Accretion in the Class 0 Protostellar System L1527 IRS

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Magnetic fields play a crucial role in regulating the collapse of dense molecular clouds, shaping the early stages of protostellar evolution. We present polarization observations in submillimeter wavelengths with the SCUBA-2/POL-2 instrument on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope toward the Class 0 protostellar system L1527 IRS (IRAS 04368+2557). The magnetic field morphology varies across the core of L1527 IRS. Magnetic fields in the eastern region are perpendicular to the outflow axis, while those in the western region show a pinched morphology, overall aligned with the outflow cavity. These distinct bipolar outflow regions also have a clear color difference in near-infrared observed by the James Webb Space Telescope. In addition, the spectral index derived from 450 and 850 μ m observations reveals that the northwestern region of the protostellar system is colder and denser compared to the southeastern region. Furthermore, in the large-scale structures and magnetic fields revealed by Herschel and Planck, we find a ∼0.1 pc scale filamentary structure parallel to the large-scale magnetic fields in the eastern region and a relatively isotropic mass distribution in the western region. Based on these results, we propose an accretion scenario of the protostellar system in which an asymmetric mass distribution causes the distinct features observed in near-infrared and submillimeter wavelengths.

Source: The Astrophysical Journal

DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/aea568

Authors: Hanju Nam, Woojin Kwon, Youngwoo Choi, Ian Stephens, Leslie Looney

Institutions: Seoul National University, Worcester State University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois System

Language: English

Topic: Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,499