Spitzer Space Telescope - Guaranteed Time Observer Proposal #40056


Search for star-formation in Lynds opacity class 6 clouds

Principal Investigator: Giovanni Fazio
           Institution: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

     Technical Contact: Babar Ali, California Institute of Technology

Co-Investigators: 
Lori Allen, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics               
John Stauffer, Caltech/IPAC                                           
Luisa Rebull, Caltech/IPAC                                            

Science Category: star formation 
 Observing Modes: IracMap MipsScan 
  Hours Approved: 10.0 

Abstract:
This proposal seeks to survey 3 Lynds dark clouds using IRAC and MIPS. The
primary aim of this study is to search for signs of star-formation, particularly
for the lowest-mass proto-stars and brown dwarfs. The study is motivated by
recent results from Spitzer that suggest that the so-called "starless" cores may
not necessarily be starless. In this proposal, we are taking advantage of the
opportunity provided by Spitzer to extend the sample of starless cores to
include those that have received little or no attention, usually due to observer
biases towards cores with bright star-formation markers (eg. associated IRAS
sources). Results from the proposed observations have direct implications for
how the low-mass end of the initial mass function is populated in the Galaxy as
well as on the lifetimes and evolution of dark cores. In the light of the recent
Spitzer results, and the exciting science they will make possible, these clouds
now merit a much closer look.