Filamentary structures of ionized gas in Cygnus X

Context. Ionized gas probes the influence of massive stars on their environment. The Cygnus X region ( d ~ 1.5 kpc) is one most star-forming complexes in our Galaxy, within which Cyg OB2 association (age 3–5 Myr and stellar mass 2 × 10 4 M ? ) has a dominant influence. Aims. We observe at 148 MHz using Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) take short-spacing information into account during image deconvolution account. Together with data from Canadian Galactic Plane Survey, we investigate morphology, distribution, physical conditions low-density ionized 4° (~100 pc 100 pc) resolution 2? (0.9 pc). Methods. radio emission analyzed almost entirely thermal (free-free) MHz, measures (EM) 3 < EM [pc cm ?6 ] 6 . As filamentary structure prominent feature emission, use DisPerSE Fil ChaP to identify ridges characterize radial profiles. Results. distribution profiles characteristic width 4.3 power-law ? = ?1.8 ± 0.1) peak down completeness limit 4200 electron densities range between ? n e [cm ?3 400 median value 35 , remarkably similar [N II] surveys gas. Conclusions. may ionize two-thirds total filaments. More than half structures are likely photoevaporating surfaces flowing surrounding diffuse (~5 medium. However, this not case for all ridges. A indicates that winds create fraction filaments through swept-up or dissipated turbulence.