Resolve the origin of compact H2CS component 2

Determine whether compact H2CS component 2 emission in the central molecular zone of NGC 253 probes shocked gas, post-shocked gas, or warm quiescent gas associated with proto-super star clusters.

Background

The H2CS component 2 abundance and abundance ratios are compatible with shock, post-shock, and static warm-cloud models. Shock models provide a statistically better match in one comparison, while a warm quiescent origin associated with proto-super star clusters is also consistent with the observations. The authors identify higher-angular-resolution observations as necessary to resolve these alternatives.

References

Hence, we cannot conclude whether \ce{H2CS}$_{\mathrm{comp2}$ probes shocked, post-shocked or warm quiescent gas, although an origin from the pSSCs would be in agreement with previous studies \citep{krieger_molecular_2020a}. Higher angular resolution observations are needed to solve the question.

— Sulphur within the extreme environment of the central molecular zone of NGC 253: a chemical modelling approach  (2609.01162 - Bouvier et al., 1 Sep 2026) in Section 4.2.3, paragraph “OCScomp2, H2CScomp2, and SO2”