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“Star Formation Activity in Cores within Infrared Dark Clouds” Dr. Ed Chambers Boston University |
| We have found evidence for star formation in compact millimeter cores within Infrared Dark Clouds (IRDCs). IRDCs were discovered by the ISO and MSX infrared surveys as extinction features in the mid-infrared. We examined 38 of the highest extinction IRDCs in the millimeter continuum and found 190 compact cores. Each IRDC invariably contains at least one cold, compact core, and many contain several. These cold, compact cores have sizes and masses of ~ 0.5 pc and 120 Msun. We have an algorithm which determines the star formation activity within these cores based on their 3.6 - 24 micron emission. We find two distinct classes of IRDC cores: (1) active cores, which contain regions of extended, enhanced 4.5 micron emission (which we call 'green fuzzies') and a 24 micron point source, and (2) quiescent cores, which contain no IR emission. We believe that active cores are currently forming stars, while quiescent cores are in a prestellar phase. We test this hypothesis by looking for other star formation indicators toward active and quiescent cores. |