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Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer Observations of the Evolution of Massive Star-Forming RegionsWe present the results of a mid-infrared survey of II outer Galaxy massive star-forming regions and 3 open clusters with data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE). Using a newly developed photometric scheme to identify young stellar objects and exclude extragalactic contamination, we have studied the distribution of young stars within each region. These data tend to support the hypothesis that latter generations may be triggered by the interaction of winds and radiation from the first burst of massive star formation with the molecular cloud material leftover from that earlier generation of stars. We dub this process the "fireworks hypothesis" since star formation by this mechanism would proceed rapidly and resemble a burst of fireworks. We have also analyzed small cutout WISE images of the structures around the edges of these massive star-forming regions. We observe large (1-3 pc size) pillar and trunk-like structures of diffuse emission nebulosity tracing excited polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules and small dust grains at the perimeter of the massive star-forming regions. These structures contain small clusters of emerging Class I and Class II sources, but some are forming only a single to a few new stars.
Document ID
20120008697
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Koenig, X. P.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Leisawitz, D. T.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Benford, D. J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Rebull, L. M.
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Padgett, D. L.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Asslef, R. J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
January 10, 2012
Publication Information
Publication: The Astrophysical Journal
Volume: 744
Issue: 2
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Report/Patent Number
GSFC.JA.5974.2012
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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