2006ApJ...649..299G

We present high-resolution infrared imaging of the massive star-forming region around the O star Herschel 36. Special emphasis is given to a compact infrared source at 0".25 southeast of the star. The infrared source, hereafter Her 36 SE, is extended in the broadband images but features spatially unresolved Brγ line emission. The line-emission source coincides in position with the previous HST detections in Hα and the 2 cm radio continuum emission detected by VLA interferometry. We propose that the infrared source Her 36 SE harbors an early B-type star, deeply embedded in a dusty cloud. The fan shape of the cloud with Her 36 at its apex, however, manifests direct and ongoing destructive influence of the O7 V star on Her 36 SE.