At a Glance
- Armenian researchers studied three star-forming regions using data from space telescopes and astronomical surveys. They identified hundreds of young stellar objects and provided insights into their stellar content and interstellar medium.
- The regions within 36,000 light years from Earth exhibited multi-component structures and substantial sizes, with radii ranging from 5.5 to 6.2 light-years.
- The study revealed that the stellar populations in two regions likely formed independently within the parent molecular clouds. In contrast, the third region harbored a pair of ultra-compact regions of ionized interstellar atomic hydrogen (HII regions) with a notably smaller age spread.
- The investigation included the study of the interstellar medium (ISM) and the young stellar population in these regions, providing valuable insights into the characteristics of the ISM and the formation scenarios of the stellar populations.
- These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex processes shaping star formation in these regions, offering significant insights into astronomy and astrophysics.
Armenian researchers have delved into the mysteries of star-forming regions using data from space telescopes and astronomical surveys. These dense areas within interstellar space are where young stellar objects (YSOs) are born, making them crucial for understanding the formation and evolution of stars. The study, published in Astrophysics and Space Science, focused on three star-forming regions, shedding light on their stellar content and interstellar medium.
Led by Naira Azatyan of Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, the team analyzed a wide range of near- to far-infrared wavelengths to explore the regions known as IRAS 05137+3919, IRAS 05168+3634, and IRAS 19110+1045. These regions, located within 36,000 light years from Earth, exhibit multi-component structures and substantial sizes, with radii ranging from 5.5 to 6.2 light-years.
The researchers identified 33 YSOs in IRAS 05137+3919, 240 YSOs in IRAS 05168+3634, and 37 YSOs in IRAS 19110+1045. Notably, the study revealed that the stellar populations in IRAS 05137+3919 and IRAS 05168+3634 likely formed independently within the parent molecular clouds, while IRAS 19110+1045 harbors a pair of ultra-compact regions of ionized interstellar atomic hydrogen (HII regions) with a notably smaller age spread.
The team’s investigation also included studying the interstellar medium (ISM) and the young stellar population in these regions. By determining the hydrogen column density and dust temperature, the researchers gained valuable insights into the characteristics of the ISM. Additionally, they compared the parameters of the YSOs with radiation-transfer models, revealing that the three stellar populations appear to have formed under different scenarios.
References
- Azatyan, N. (2024). Search and study of young infrared stellar clusters. Astrophysics and Space Science, 369(4), 33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10509-024-04298-3
- Nowakowski, T. & Phys.org. (2024, April 18). Researchers investigate three star-forming regions, identify hundreds young stellar objects. Phys.Org; Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2024-04-star-regions-hundreds-young-stellar.html
