Radio observations of W3 at 2.7 and 15.4 GHz

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Abstract
The continuum emission from several compact H II regions in W3 has been mapped at 2.7 and 15.4 GHz with a maximum resolution of 0.65 arcsec. Three of the radio components provide evidence to support a model in which star formation has occurred within a molecular cloud and has produced dense neutral shells around H II regions. These neutral shells have been ruptured or dispersed at certain points, allowing ionizing radiation into a region having a lower neutral density. It is suggested that the presence of axially synmetric shells in some of the radio sources is the result of the effects upon the ionized gas of radiation pressure or mass loss from the exciting star. A point source of continuum emission has been found adjacent to the intense infrared source IRS5. It is proposed that the central exciting source has commenced nuclear burning, but the supercompact H II region is prevented from expanding by the presence of dense circumstellar neutral material.

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