Massive stars embedded in molecular clouds - Their population and distribution in the galaxy

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (547) References (18) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Massive Stars Embedded in Molecular Clouds: Their Population and Distribution in the Galaxy Wood, Douglas O. S. ; Churchwell, Ed Abstract A new method for identifying massive stars inside molecular clouds is described which makes use of their characteristic FIR flux density distribution. A two-color selection criterion has been developed and carefully calibrated using stars which are known to be embedded in molecular clouds. When applied to the sensitive IRAS all-sky survey, a direct measure of the total number and distribution of embedded massive stars in the Galaxy is obtained. A lower limit is derived on the current O star formation rate in the Galaxy, the contribution O stars make to the FIR luminosity of the Galaxy is estimated, and it is shown that the number of IRAS sources found is consistent with a Galactic supernova rate of about one every 25 yrs. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: May 1989 DOI: 10.1086/167390 Bibcode: 1989ApJ...340..265W Keywords: H Ii Regions; Milky Way Galaxy; Molecular Clouds; Spatial Distribution; Star Formation; Stellar Mass; Far Infrared Radiation; Giant Stars; Infrared Sources (Astronomy); Main Sequence Stars; Solar Neighborhood; Astrophysics; INFRARED: SOURCES; INTERSTELLAR: MOLECULES; NEBULAE: H II REGIONS; STARS: FORMATION; STARS: MASSIVE; STARS: STELLAR STATISTICS full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (9)