A near-infrared study of the NS 14 bipolar nebula

In this fifth paper of a series on high-mass star formation, we continue ou r study with the bipolar nebula NS 14. We have imaged this nebula at J (1.2 3 mu m), H (1.65 mu m), and K (2.23 mu m) broadband near-infrared (NIR) wav elengths. We have also obtained 3.29 mu m dust feature emission and Br gamm a (n = 7 --> 4, 2.166 mu m) hydrogen recombination line emission images of this region. The broadband reflection nebulosity, surrounding a central "Tr apezium" of stars, forms a bipolar structure that is also seen in the 3.29 mu m dust feature emission. This dust feature emission exhibits limb bright ening; therefore, small dust grains in the central regions of the bipolar s tructure have been evacuated. The Br gamma line emission consists of a comp act component less than or equal to 2" in size and a more extended componen t similar to 5" x 7" or larger in size. A study of the stellar population o f the cluster, centered on the nebular emission, has also been made.