Identification of the exciting source of Herbig-Haro objects 135 and 136

Abstract

We have identified the exciting source of the Herbig-Haro objects HH135 and 136 by near-infrared polarimetric imaging of the associated extensive reflection nebula. The source is situated at the middle of the two Herbig-Haro objects, coincident with a luminous IRAS source, and it is responsible for the excitation of both objects, although it has been suggested that there are two independent exciting sources. The source appears to be a young stellar object (presumably a Herbig Ae/Be star) surrounded by a thick circumstellar disc and it is one of the most luminous (L~=10^4 Lsolar) exciting sources of Herbig-Haro objects.