A NEAR-INFRARED SPECTRAL IMAGING STUDY OF T-TAU

We present K (2.01-2.42 mu m) and H (1.5-1.8 mu m) band imaging spectr oscopy of the complex environment of the young stellar object, T Tau. These observations reveal at least five distinct sources of molecular hydrogen emission in the central 4x4 arcsec of the system, including k nots of emission centered on the primary and infrared companion, an ea st-west jet, and what appears to be a Herbig-Haro object located withi n 3'' of the binary. We detected the latter object in 11 different qua drupole lines of molecular hydrogen, as well as in two H band forbidde n transitions of Fe II. The H-2 spectral line ratios point to shock he ating with a variety of excitation temperatures. The images also demon strate that the Fry emission is point-like and centered on the primary star only. We discuss the nature and origin of the line radiation, th e relationship between the outflows and the stars, and the apparent la ck of UV fluorescent excited H-2. (C) 1996 American Astronomical Socie ty.