Synchronized periodic maser flares of multiple OH and CH3OH lines in G323.459–0.079

Abstract

ABSTRACT The first confirmed periodically varying 6.031 and 6.035 GHz hydroxyl masers are reported here. They vary contemporaneously with the 6.7 GHz methanol masers in G323.459–0.079. The 1.665 GHz hydroxyl and 12.2  GHz methanol masers associated with G323.459–0.079 are also periodic. Evidence for periodicity is seen in all features in all transitions save a single 1.665 GHz hydroxyl maser feature. Historical excited-state hydroxyl maser observations set a stricter upper limit on the epoch in which a significant accretion event occurred. The associated burst in 6.7 GHz methanol maser activity has subsided significantly while the hydroxyl transitions are brightening possibly the result of changing physical conditions in the masing cloudlets. Time lags in methanol are confirmed and may be the result of the periodic flaring propagating outward from the central region of maser activity. A possible magnetic field reversal occurred during the accretion event.