The Molecular Condensations Ahead of Herbig-Haro Objects. III. Radiative and dynamical perturbations of the HH 2 condensation

Abstract

We have carried out an extensive observational study (from BIMA data) and made a preliminary theoretical investigation of the molecular gas around HH2. The molecular maps show a very complex morphological, kinematical and chemical structure. The overall main conclusion of this work confirms the findings of Paper I and II, by demonstrating that in addition to the strong photochemical effects caused by penetration of the UV photons from HH2 into molecular cloud, a range of complex radiative and dynamical interactions occur. Thus, despite the apparent `quiescent' nature of the molecular cloud ahead of HH2, the kinematical properties observed within the field of view suggest that it is possibly being driven out by powerful winds from the VLA 1 protostar.Comment: 20 pages. Accepted for publication to Astronomy & Astrophysic