[PCS2000] N05C , the SIMBAD biblio

We present narrow-band near-infrared images of the high-mass star formation region S233IR. We detect several groups of molecular hydrogen knots aligned with known outflows. Images in vibrationally-excited H₂ and [FeII] reveal the excitation distributions across the main two conspicuous bow shocks. Emission from the [FeII] line is strong and located at the apex of both bow shocks as well as other locations within the northern bow where we distinguish a compact Mach disk through its [FeII] emission. The H₂ emission is not restricted to the bow wings but distinct components are detected near the bow apices. The data are broadly comparable to steady bow shocks of speed 60-80km/s possessing dissociative caps and C-type flanks. Nevertheless, non-steady bow shock behavior is essential to interpret all aspects of the bow structures. In this respect, the S233 bow caps may be in the neutral transformation stage from J-type to C-type.