To identify and study outflows, one of the techniques we use is to analyze spectral line data cubes in three dimensional space. Using 3D Slicer, a brain imaging and visualization computer application developed at Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Surgical Planning Lab, isosurface models are generated and outflows are identified by their sharp spikes in RA-DEC-Velocity space (marked with green points in the above screenshot). Using this visualization, over 8 square degrees and 150,000 spectra have been analyzed, and 217 high velocity points identified. (For more information on the application of medical imaging software to astronomical research, see here.)

Integrated intensity ¹²CO molecular line map with 3D Slicer velocity points (see above figure), SCF identified regions, IRAS sources, known outflow sources, and newly identified outflows. The dashed-line box denotes the area yet to be analyzed for outflows. Three regions (B5, IC 348, and L1448) have been investigated and all known outflows were detected, and 20 points were identified in these regions as possibly being associated with undocumented outflows.