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Methanol masers as tools to study high-mass star formation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 2007

Michele R. Pestalozzi*
Affiliation:
Centre for Astrophysics Research, University of Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB Hatfield, UK email: [email protected]
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Abstract

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In this contribution I will attempt to show that the study of Galactic 6.7 and 12.2 GHz methanol masers themselves, as opposed to the use of methanol masers as signposts, can yield important conclusions contributing to the understanding of high-mass star formation. Due to their exclusive association with star formation, methanol masers are the best tools to do this, and their large number allows us to probe the entire Galaxy. In particular I will focus on the determination of the luminosity function of methanol masers and on the determination of an unambiguous signature for a circumstellar masing disc seen edge-on. Finally I will try to point out some future fields of research in the study of methanol masers.

Type
Contributed Papers
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2008

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