Zooming in to Massive Star Birth

Abstract

We present high-resolution (0.″2, 1000 au) 1.3 mm ALMA observations of the massive infrared dark cloud clump, G028.37+00.07-C1, thought to harbor the early stages of massive star formation. Using {{{N}}}<SUB>2</SUB>{{{D}}}<SUP>+</SUP>(3-2), we resolve the previously identified C1-S core, separating the bulk of its emission from two nearby protostellar sources. C1-S is thus identified as a massive (∼50 M <SUB>☉</SUB>), compact (∼0.1 pc diameter) starless core, e.g., with no signs of outflow activity. Being highly deuterated, this is a promising candidate for a pre-stellar core on the verge of collapse. An analysis of its dynamical state indicates a sub-virial velocity dispersion compared to a trans-Alfvénic turbulent core model. However, virial equilibrium could be achieved with sub-Alfvénic conditions involving magnetic field strengths of ∼2 mG.