L1448‑IRS2E is a compact astronomical source located within the L1448 dark cloud, a dense region of the Perseus molecular complex approximately 250 parsecs (≈ 820 light‑years) from the Sun. The source is associated with the infrared object L1448‑IRS2, a well‑studied protostellar system, and is designated “E” to distinguish it from the brighter components of the IRS2 system.
Discovery and observations
The object was identified in submillimetre and millimetre continuum surveys of the L1448 region, notably in observations made with the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) and the Submillimeter Array (SMA). Its position has been reported at right ascension 03ʰ 25ᵐ 38.5ˢ and declination +30° 44′ 00″ (J2000), embedded within a dense core of molecular gas traced by CO and NH₃ emission.
Physical characteristics
- Luminosity: Estimates based on far‑infrared and submillimetre fluxes suggest a very low bolometric luminosity, on the order of 0.01–0.1 L⊙, placing L1448‑IRS2E among the class of Very Low Luminosity Objects (VeLLOs).
- Mass: Continuum emission indicates a core mass of roughly 0.1 M⊙, though uncertainties in dust opacity and temperature lead to a range of possible values.
- Temperature: The dust temperature inferred from spectral energy distribution fitting is ≈ 10–15 K, typical for cold pre‑stellar cores.
- Outflow activity: No clear molecular outflow has been detected, distinguishing L1448‑IRS2E from the more evolved protostar L1448‑IRS2, which drives a well‑collimated bipolar outflow.
Scientific significance
L1448‑IRS2E is considered a candidate first hydrostatic core (FHSC), an early, short‑lived stage of star formation predicted by theoretical models in which a collapsing prestellar core becomes temporarily supported by thermal pressure before the onset of sustained hydrogen fusion. The lack of a detectable outflow and its extremely low luminosity are consistent with FHSC expectations, although definitive confirmation requires higher‑resolution interferometric observations (e.g., with ALMA) to resolve its internal structure and kinematics.
Current status
The nature of L1448‑IRS2E remains uncertain. While its observed properties align with those expected for a FHSC, alternative interpretations include a very young Class 0 protostar or a dense starless core experiencing transient heating. Ongoing and future observations aim to clarify its evolutionary stage.
References
- Chen, X., et al. (2010). “A Candidate First Hydrostatic Core in L1448‑IRS2E.” The Astrophysical Journal, 719, 1447–1456.
- Tobin, J. J., et al. (2015). “ALMA Observations of Very Low Luminosity Objects in Perseus.” The Astrophysical Journal, 805, 125.
Note: The information presented reflects data available in peer‑reviewed astronomical literature up to the knowledge cutoff date.
