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Abstract

Magnetic reconnection, a critical process in astrophysical luminosity outbursts like solar flares, may also underpin such events in high-mass young stellar objects (HMYSOs). Despite theoretical predictions, observational evidence linking luminosity outbursts to magnetic reconnection in HMYSOs is still lacking. Our study examines the bursting HMYSO G36.11+0.55, where we find a significant correlation between the variability of 6.668 GHz CH3OH maser and the magnetic field strength inferred from 6.035 GHz ex-OH masers. This aligns with models of accretion-driven magnetic flux accumulation and reconnection-driven ejection, proposed for low-mass protostellar flares in theoretical studies. The CH3OH maser light curve closely resembles those observed or expected in other luminosity outbursts linked to magnetic reconnection. Furthermore, CH3OH maser flare regions coincide with jets from the source, also supporting the model of reconnection-driven magnetic flux ejection. These observational results underscore the essential role of magnetic fields in HMYSO outburst dynamics and material accretion near HMYSOs.

Magnetic reconnection is a key process in astrophysical luminosity outbursts, such as solar flares, and may also drive similar events in high-mass young stellar objects (HMYSOs). The authors study HMYSO G36.11+0.55, revealing a correlation between CH3OH maser variability and magnetic field strength, supporting models of reconnection-driven ejection and highlighting the role of magnetic fields in HMYSO dynamics.

Details

Title
Magnetic reconnection as the driving factor behind high-mass protostellar luminosity flares
Publication title
Volume
8
Issue
1
Pages
249
Publication year
2025
Publication date
2025
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
Place of publication
London
Country of publication
United States
Publication subject
e-ISSN
23993650
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
Document type
Journal Article
Publication history
 
 
Online publication date
2025-06-12
Milestone dates
2025-05-14 (Registration); 2025-01-08 (Received); 2025-05-12 (Accepted)
Publication history
 
 
   First posting date
12 Jun 2025
ProQuest document ID
3218321962
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/magnetic-reconnection-as-driving-factor-behind/docview/3218321962/se-2?accountid=208611
Copyright
Copyright Nature Publishing Group 2025
Last updated
2025-06-13