Large-scale, high velocity motions in the vicinity of R 136

One hundred and fifteen profiles of the Hα emission line have been obtained for every 5.63 arcsec element along a 10.8 arcmin long line through the very luminous stellar-like object R 136 in the core of the 30 Doradus nebula in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Extensive sheets of ionized gas have been discovered over a range of heliocentric radial velocity from 80 to 450 km s-1. Moreover, systematic trends in these motions indicate that at least one large cavity with flowing walls could be present. This must be driven by the energetic wind (and radiation pressure (query)) from R 136 and/or successive supernova explosions in this vicinity. Evidence is also presented which illustrates that these localised high velocity motions are superimposed on the large scale motions of the interstellar material of the LMC. (author)