Class I methanol masers: masers with extended green objects

We have compared the results of a number of published class I methanol maser surveys with the catalogue of high–mass outflow candidates identified from the Galactic Legacy Infrared Mid–Plane Survey Extraordinaire survey (known as extended green objects or EGOs). We find class I methanol masers associated with approximately two–thirds of EGOs. Although the association between outflows and class I methanol masers has long been postulated on the basis of detailed studies of a small number of sources, this result demonstrates the relationship for the first time on a statistical basis. Despite the publication of a number of searches for class I methanol masers, a close physical association with another astrophysical object which could be targeted for the search is still lacking. The close association between class I methanol masers and EGOs therefore provides a large catalogue of candidate sources, most of which have not previously been searched for class I methanol masers. Interstellar masers and outflows have both been proposed to trace an evolutionary sequence for high–mass star formation, therefore a better understanding of the relationship between class I methanol masers and outflow offers the potential for comparison and amalgamation of these two evolutionary sequences.