A near-infrared study of the NS 14 bipolar nebula

In this fifth paper of a series on high-mass star formation, we continue our study with the bipolar nebula NS 14. We have imaged this nebula at J (1.23 mu m), H (1.65 mu m), and K (2.23 mu m) broadband near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. We have also obtained 3.29 mu m dust feature emission and Br gamma (n = 7 --> 4, 2.166 mu m) hydrogen recombination line emission images of this region. The broadband reflection nebulosity, surrounding a central "Trapezium" 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 brightening; therefore, small dust grains in the central regions of the bipolar structure have been evacuated. The Br gamma line emission consists of a compact component less than or equal to 2" in size and a more extended component similar to 5" x 7" or larger in size. A study of the stellar population of the cluster, centered on the nebular emission, has also been made.