2000ApJ...536..816C

We present mid-infrared images of the ultracompact H II region complex G34.3+0.2 taken on the IRTF through a 1.8% circular variable filter wheel at 8.0, 9.7, 11.2, 12.8, and 13.2 µm and through a 6.8% filter at 20.6 µm. Infrared emission was detected at the radio components A, C (the ``cometary'' component), and D. In addition, two new sources of emission were found south of C at 20.6 µm; we assign them names of E and F. Infrared emission was not detected at B, and C does not have the famous cometary shape that is observed in radio continuum emission. Photometric flux densities and source sizes are determined for A, C, and E. Radiative transfer models are then presented to match the observed dust emission for these sources. Based on the observations and models, an overview of the complex is suggested in which C is an approximately spherical centrally heated source that was not formed from material in the adjacent ultracompact molecular core. C is not a blister source, and it is not colliding with the molecular core.