COMPASS Survey Detects New Methanol Maser in Low-Mass Protostars
The COMPASS survey used ALMA to observe 11 low-mass protostars, publishing seven papers on a new class I methanol maser and deuterated methanol.
The COMPASS survey has published its first seven research papers, reporting the detection of a new class I methanol maser at 302.9 GHz in multiple low-mass protostars, according to inews24.com. The observations were made using the ALMA telescope over more than 100 hours.
The survey observed 11 low-mass protostars. The 302.9 GHz maser was detected in 7 of the 11. Even excluding one protostar influenced by an intermediate-mass outflow, the detection rate was 6 out of 10, or about 60%.
In addition, fully deuterated methanol (CD3OD) was detected in the young protostar IRAS 4A2 in the Perseus molecular cloud.
Previously, methanol maser research had mainly focused on high-mass star-forming regions, and it was considered a rare phenomenon in low-mass protostars.
Quick answers
What did the COMPASS survey detect?
It detected a new class I methanol maser at 302.9 GHz in multiple low-mass protostars and fully deuterated methanol in IRAS 4A2.
How many protostars were observed in the COMPASS survey?
The survey observed 11 low-mass protostars using ALMA for over 100 hours.
What is the detection rate of the new maser?
The maser was detected in 7 of 11 protostars, or 6 of 10 when excluding one influenced by an intermediate-mass outflow, about 60%.