In high-mass star-forming regions, distinguishing between jets and outflows can be quite challenging due to the complex environments in which these phenomena occur. However, certain observational and theoretical features can help us to distinguish them.
Morphology:
Jets : Typically appear as highly collimated, narrow structures emanating from young stellar objects (YSOs). They can be observed at various wavelengths, depending on the jet's constituents and the surrounding medium. They are believed to lanuch by the Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) process in the accretion disk.
Outflows: These are usually broader and less collimated than jets. They can have either a bipolar or a more spherical shape, which usually associated with the wide-angled wind originated from accretion disk and/or envelope.
Both of jets and outflows remove the angular momentum of the accretion disk and to determine the final core-to-star efficiency and envelope dissipation, to shift the core mass function to the stellar initial mass function, to
counteract the dissipation of turbulence in clouds, and to impact
planet formation through disk irradiation/shielding and MHD effects
*Velocity:
Jets : Have very high velocities, often several hundred km/s. This high velocity often results in shock fronts where the jet material collides with the surrounding interstellar medium, producing bright emission regions.
Outflows : Typically have lower velocities than jets. The velocity can vary widely based on the driving mechanism and environment.
Spectral Signatures:
Observations across various wavelengths (e.g., radio, infrared, optical) can provide clues:
Molecular lines (like CO, SO, SiO) can be used to trace outflows.
Atomic lines (like [SII], [OI], and [NII]) in the optical can be used to trace shocks, often associated with jet activity.
Origin and Scale:
Jets: Emanate directly from the vicinity of YSOs and can be linked to accretion processes. They are typically observed on smaller spatial scales.
Outflows: These can be observed on larger spatial scales and are often associated with the broader circumstellar environment, such as a disk or an envelope.
Temporal Evolution:
Jets: Tend to be transient and can change in appearance over relatively short time scales (a few years to decades), especially if they are episodic.
Outflows: Generally evolve on longer time scales than jets. Changes in the morphology and intensity of outflows may occur over thousands of years.
Chemical Composition:
Detailed spectroscopic studies can provide insights into the chemical composition of the material. Certain species or line ratios can hint towards processes associated with jets or outflows.
Polarization:
Polarimetric observations can provide information about magnetic fields, which play a crucial role in jet collimation. If polarization is detected in regions associated with a collimated structure, it might support the jet scenario.
Interaction with the Surrounding Medium:
The interaction regions (e.g., Herbig-Haro objects) can provide clues. Jets often produce such bright, shocked regions when they interact with the surrounding medium.