Is a BN-type object the energy input to the NH3 cloud in NGC 2071

An extended molecular cloud has been found close to the reflection nebula NGC 2071 in the northern part of the Orion complex. The J,K = (1,1) and (2,2) inversion lines of NH3 at 23.69 GHz and 23.72 GHz respectively were mapped with the 25m radiotelescope of the S.R.C. Appleton Laboratory at Chilbolton Observatory, Hants, U.K. The vsub(LSR) values confirm that the ammonia cloud is at the distance of the Orion complex. It is concluded that the total luminosity of the cloud, the ionization of the ultra-compact HII object, and the large wings of the CO profiles, could all be explained if a B 0.5 star, losing mass at a rate of 107 solar mases/yr is embedded in the BN-like object. (Auth.)