Previous | Session 185 | Next | Author Index | Block Schedule
T.G. Pannuti, S.J. Carey (SSC/JPL/Caltech), R.O. Redman (HIA/NRC-Canada), L.E. Allen, J.L. Hora (Harvard-Smithsonian CfA)
Infrared Dark Clouds (IRDCs) are a recently-discovered class of sources which remain opaque out to wavelengths greater than 24 microns. Complementary submillimeter observations of these sources have revealed the presence of protostellar cores, clearly indicating that IRDCs are the sites of present low, intermediate and -- in some cases -- high mass star formation. To help better understand star formation activity within these objects, we are currently analyzing observations made with the Spitzer Space Telescope of three prominent IRDCs: G11.11-0.1, G28.34+0.06 and G79.27+0.38. Specifically, we have performed source extraction and photometry to prepare color-color diagrams to help identify protostellar objects (both Class 0 and Class 1) associated with the IRDCs. We include datasets from submillimeter observations of these IRDCs in our analysis to identify particularly deeply embedded protostars which may have resulted from triggered star formation within these clouds. The cluster properties of the embedded populations will be presented and discussed. This work is based on observations made with the Spitzer Space Telescope which is operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology under a contract with NASA. Support for this work was provided by NASA through an award issued by JPL/Caltech.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: tpannuti@ipac.caltech.edu
Previous | Session 185 | Next
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 37 #4
© 2005. The American Astronomical Soceity.