Spitzer Space Telescope - Guaranteed Time Observer Proposal #50045


Spectra of Massive Young Stars in the Cygnus-X Complex

Principal Investigator: Giovanni Fazio
           Institution: Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

     Technical Contact: Joseph Hora, Harvard/Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

Co-Investigators: 
Joseph Hora, CfA                                                      
Sylvain Bontemps, Observatoire de Bordeaux                            
Tom Megeath, University of Toledo                                     
Nicola Schneider, CEA/Saclay                                          
Frederique Motte, CEA/Saclay                                          
Sean Carey, Spitzer Science Center                                    
Robert Simon, University of Cologne                                   
Eric Keto, CfA                                                        
Howard Smith, CfA                                                     
Lori Allen, CfA                                                       
Rob Gutermuth, CfA                                                    
Kathleen Kraemer, AFRL                                                
Don Mizuno, AFRL                                                      
Stephan Price, AFRL                                                   
Joseph Adams, Cornell University                                      

Science Category: star formation 
 Observing Modes: IrsMap 
  Hours Approved: 20 

Abstract:
We propose to use the IRS to obtain 5-40 um spectra of a sample of massive stars
that are forming in the Cygnus-X region. Cygnus-X is the richest known region in
IR-luminous and IR-quiet massive protostars within 2 kpc, and thus is a unique
laboratory to study the poorly constrained early stages of massive star
formation. The sample will be selected mainly from MSX sources and IR-quiet
millimeter continuum sources, and will contain objects with a range of masses
and at various stages of evolution. These data will enable us to determine how
the properties of these massive stars change as they evolve towards the main
sequence. We will also be able to examine the effects that these stars are
having on their surroundings, including outflows into the nearby ISM and also in
triggering further star formation.