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T. J. Jones, C. E. Woodward, M. L. Boyer, R. D. Gehrz, E. Polomski (Univ. of Minnesota)
We present observations of the giant HII region complex N159 in the LMC using IRAC on the Spitzer Space Telescope. One of the two objects previously identified as protostars in N159 has an SED consistent with classification as a Class I young stellar object (YSO) and the other is probably a Class I YSO as well, making these two stars the youngest stars known outside the Milky Way. We identify two other sources that may also be Class I YSOs. The integrated luminosity of the entire complex is L ~ 9x106 Lsun, consistent with the observed radio emission assuming a normal Galactic initial mass function (IMF). There is no evidence for a red supergiant population indicative of an older burst of star formation. The morphology of the region is consistent with a wind blown bubble ~ 1-2 Myr-old that has initiated star formation now taking place at the rim.
Support for the authors was provided by NASA through contracts 256406 and 1215746 issued by JPL/Caltech
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 5
© 2004. The American Astronomical Society.