The molecular cloud core M 17-North: New ISOCAM observations

Abstract

We present spectro-imaging data of the molecular cloud core M17-North. The data have been obtained with the ISOCAM camera on board of the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) using the circular variable filters (CVF). The spectra have a spectral resolution of about 40. They are dominated by PAH emission bands. A band at 16.6{ mu m} is detected which is ascribed to the family of the PAH bands. Further, the PAH bands display clearly Lorentzian line profiles. The observations led to the detection of a new mid-infrared source with a very strongly rising continuum. The observed spatial distribution of fine structure line emission of neon and argon ions is a sign for an ionizing source in M 17-North. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) with the participation of ISAS and NASA.