I review massive star formation in our Galaxy, focusing on initial conditions in Infrared Dark Clouds (IRDCs), including the search for massive pre-stellar cores (PSCs), and modeling of later stages of massive protostars, i.e., hot molecular cores (HMCs). I highlight how developments in astrochemistry, coupled with rapidly improving theoretical/computational and observational capabilities are helping to improve our understanding of the complex process of massive star formation.
@article{arxiv.1710.11607,
title = {Fire from Ice - Massive Star Birth from Infrared Dark Clouds},
author = {Jonathan C. Tan},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1710.11607},
year = {2018}
}
Comments
To appear in proceedings of IAU Symp. 322, Astrochemistry VII Through the Cosmos from Galaxies to Planets