Spitzer Space Telescope - General Observer Proposal #3394


The formation of clusters:  Comparing the star formation processes in
the Rosette and Maddalena Clouds

Principal Investigator: Ian Bonnell
           Institution: University of St Andrews

Co-Investigators: 
Jane Greaves, University of St Andrews                                

Science Category: star clusters 
 Observing Modes: IracMap MipsScan 
  Hours Approved: 9.1 

Abstract:
We propose to map the regions of the massive cores in the Rosette and
Maddalena molecular clouds.  These two regions demonstrate similar
properties except that one has ongoing star formation and the other is
as yet inactive.  The principle aim of this proposal is to investigate
the physical conditions (morphologies, mass distributions) that are
necessary for the formation of stellar clusters.  Local conditions
must play a role, as even in the Rosette half of the cores contain
embedded clusters while the others, of similar masses do not.  We are
primarily interested in establishing if there is an evolutionary
process within massive cores that leads to the necessary physical
conditions for cluster formation.  We also want to investigate what
role the external environment plays in triggering the formation of
stellar clusters.  This will be accomplished by establishing the
structure of the core on large (several pc) and small (<0.1 pc) scales
and by relating any large-scale structure to the possible external
triggering sources.  This work will be extremely useful in testing and
developing theories of the onset of star formation and the origin of
stellar clusters