Models of Rotating Infall for the B335 Protostar
Neal J. Evans, Yao-Lun Yang, Joel D. Green, Bo Zhao, James Di Francesco, Jeong‐Eun Lee, J. K. Jørgensen, Minho Choi, Philip C. Myers, Diego Mardones
Abstract
Abstract Models of the protostellar source, B335, are developed using axisymmetric three-dimensional models to resolve conflicts found in one-dimensional models. The models are constrained by a large number of observations, including ALMA, Herschel, and Spitzer data. Observations of the protostellar source B335 with ALMA show redshifted absorption against a central continuum source indicative of infall in the HCO + and HCN J = 4 → 3 transitions. The data are combined with a new estimate of the distance to provide strong constraints to three-dimensional radiative transfer models including a rotating, infalling envelope, outflow cavities, and a very small disk. The models favor ages since the initiation of collapse between 3 × 10 4 and 4 × 10 4 yr for both the continuum and the lines, resolving a conflict found in one-dimensional models. The models underpredict the continuum emission seen by ALMA, suggesting an additional component such as a pseudo-disk. The best-fitting model is used to convert variations in the 4.5 μ m flux in recent years into a model for a variation of a factor of 5–7 in luminosity over the last 8 yr.